George Russell is eager for the chance to compete alongside Max Verstappen within the same squad. Defending world champion Max Verstappen commits to race for Red Bull until the year 2028.
Yet, tensions have surfaced between Verstappen’s entourage and Red Bull’s team leader, Christian Horner, regarding the management’s approach to a recent investigation into Verstappen’s behaviour.
Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, has expressed concerns that the team’s integrity could be compromised if Horner remains in his position.
FIA team principal Mohammed Ben Sulayem has called on Verstappen to openly support Horner in light of these issues.
This situation has led to rumours that Verstappen might try to terminate his contract prematurely. As Mercedes looks to find a successor for Lewis Hamilton for the upcoming season, Verstappen, the current champion, emerges as a prime candidate.
Mercedes driver, George Russell, when asked about pairing up with three-time world champion Max Verstappen in the future stated: “I think any team want to have the best driver line-up possible and right now Max is the best driver on the grid,” he said.
“So if any team had a chance to sign Max they’ll 100% be taking it. I think the question is more on the other side, on his side and on Red Bull’s side, obviously so much going on there, we don’t know truly what’s going on behind closed doors and ultimately it’s none of our business right now. But it would be exciting.”
He said his performance alongside Hamilton shows he could compete with Verstappen. “This is my third season now alongside Lewis, greatest driver of all time, and I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job alongside him.
“So whoever were to line up alongside me next year or the years to come I welcome anybody, welcome a challenge. You would want to go against the best.
“But ultimately for me, just focus on myself. I believe in myself. I believe I can beat anybody on the grid. You’ve just got to have that mentality. So having Lewis as my benchmark the last couple of years, it’s been a pretty good benchmark for sure.”
Although Russell is prepared for the challenge of competing against a three-time champion, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff remains sceptical about such a transition occurring, yet he hasn’t dismissed the possibility entirely.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, the Mercedes Team Principal remarked: ‘The market is very interesting.’
‘For a driver, the most important thing is to be with whoever is fastest, and there is no reason now for Max to leave Red Bull anytime soon.
