George Russell has responded to rumours of a possible link between Max Verstappen and Mercedes after the Dutch driver has struggled so far this Formula 1 season with his Red Bull machinery. While Russell has had a fantastic start to his season with the Brackley outfit, going into 2026, the Mercedes seat seems to be unclaimed.
Speaking to PA ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Russell was realistic about the chances of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff being interested in the four-time champion.
“Why wouldn’t they want to sign Max? It’s totally understandable,” Russell said. “He’s the best at the moment. He’s a four-time world champion. That’s not anything against me or Kimi [Antonelli]. There are two drivers for every team and he is one person.
“So that doesn’t concern me one bit. Right now, I think I am performing as good as anyone on this grid.”
This is the confidence of a driver who has recently stepped into the team in a leading role after the leaving of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari. Alongside Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the young rookie who has already shown exceptional performance, the Silver Arrows have moulded a talented duo. But the idea of Verstappen is enticing for any team chief.
George Russell, Mercedes
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
James Vowles, former Mercedes strategist-turned-Williams chief, commented on the idea of Verstappen joining the Mercedes driver lineup.
“I think there is more performance to be added through Max,” he said on the speculation surrounding the driver on the Friday of the Saudi Arabian race weekend. “I don’t think anyone in the room would deny that he is extraordinary in what he can do, and Japan was, for me, jaw-dropping.
“Well done to him but he comes with a lot of downsides as well that we have to acknowledge and I think what Mercedes does have is a great culture with two drivers that are delivering near to the peak of the car, and with one that’s on the way up. So I personally don’t think that’s a place for him.”
With Mercedes currently sat behind current leaders McLaren in the constructors’ standings with a 58-point deficit, there is certainly room to improve. But with Verstappen seemingly happy at Red Bull and Wolff content with his solid driver duo, Russell knows what he has to continue doing to retain his seat.
