Vettel to Mercedes? Russell keen to see him come: 'F1 miss him on the grid'

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff makes no secret of preferring to see Max Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton's successor at Mercedes in '25. Whether that is a realistic thought remains to be seen in the coming months. Meanwhile, there are plenty of candidates vying for the seat at the German team. Carlos Sainz is said to be in the picture and youngster Andrea Kimi Antonelli (17) is also believed to be an option. The name of Sebastian Vettel also occasionally comes up in the conversation.

What is certain in any case: George Russell will be at Mercedes in 2026. The Brit is also curious to know who his teammate will be; Verstappen, Antonelli, Sainz or so perhaps Vettel. "Sebastian's a great person, and he's a four-time world champion. And, for sure his personality is missed on the grid," Russell says of the latter.

In any case, according to Russell, it is important that the 20 best drivers in the world make up the F1 grid. "So, as I said before, I'm really happy and open to have anybody as my teammate. Whether it's world champion, whether it's a rookie, it doesn't change how I go about my business. And, yes, as I said, we'd welcome anybody."

It is not expected that Mercedes will tie the knot over the second seat at Mercedes any time soon. Team principal Wolff is no doubt waiting to see how the situation regarding Verstappen at Red Bull Racing develops first.