Palmer quickly dismisses the potential Verstappen and Russell partnership: 'Imagine the tension!'

There have been plenty of rumours surrounding Verstappen leaving Red Bull Racing as they continue to mve further away from the frot of the grid.

Mercedes and Toto Wolff have been linked to the Dutchman regarding a move for a while, with the Austrian CEO complimentary about the 27-year-old. But, there is little belief that the dynamic of the team would work between Russell and Verstappen.

At the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen said to Russell, "Then you better just f*** off, because I don't need to talk anything out with you," while speaking to reporters after he felt the Brit forced a one-place grid penalty onto him.

Then, at thr Abu Dhabi Grand Prix a week later, Russell said he would "set the record straight" with the Dutchman after his "personal attack", showing the clear dislike between the two drivers.

The chance for Russell and Verstappen to become teammates is there, but it's one that Palmer does not see happening.

"I think that George is just doing too well," the Brit stated on the F1 Nation podcast.

"I don't think Mercedes is an option with the way that Russell's going," the former Renault driver continued.

With the emergence of young talent Kimi Antonelli, there is little room for Mercedes to make a driver change, and because of what happened between the two drivers last year, it's a relationship that Palmer just does not see working out.

"They're two A-list drivers, and I don't think Toto's choosing that as a lineup. I think Kimi has to perform okay, of course, but I think he is the nice second driver. Japan was good, and Bahrain wasn't bad either. So that's an ok bit, and then you have got a harmonious lead driver,” Palmer concluded.