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Ex-F1 Champion Asserts George Russell Wouldn’t Be ‘Calm’ over Max Verstappen to Mercedes Rumors

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Armaan Agarwal | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 1:07 AM ET

Max Verstappen is the biggest driver in the F1 driver market for 2026 despite having a Red Bull contract till 2028. Rumors over the reigning world champion potentially leaving Milton Keynes next season have continued to surface. With Mercedes being seen as the most likely destination for the Dutch driver. Now, former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has insisted that Verstappen’s contact with the Silver Arrows would be making George Russell nervous.

Mercedes has kept an eye on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull situation since last year, with the rumored initial attempt to sign the Dutchman for this season. Nevertheless, rumors have only increased in recent weeks that Verstappen could leave Red Bull if he activates an exit clause in the summer break.

On the other hand, Mercedes’ drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are yet to sign contracts for 2026. While Toto Wolff has asserted that there is a deadline for finalizing his driver line-up to ensure that he does not leave anyone in the dark.

Jacques Villeneuve reckoned that Max Verstappen‘s conversations with the Silver Arrows would not be making George Russell happy. The Canadian pointed out that if the Dutchman decides to join Brackley, it would be Russell who would be forced out, and not the 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli. As the Italian prodigy is a longer term prospect for the team.

If I were Russell I wouldn’t be calm, because Antonelli won’t go anywhere. So, there is a place. If Verstappen were to go to Mercedes, he would take Russell’s seat, not Antonelli’s.
Jacques Villeneuve told BetVictor

One win won’t secure George Russell’s Mercedes future amid Max Verstappen rumors

George Russell has been an integral part of the Mercedes driver program for the better half of a decade. Since his junior days, the Briton has been supported by the Silver Arrows. However, Formula 1 is a brutal sport, where teams do not hesitate from replacing their drivers, no matter the long-term relationship. This could be the case for Russell if Max Verstappen decides that he wanted to race for the German carmaker.

George Russell has shown that he remains a capable driver. The Briton won the Canadian GP two weeks ago, the first driver from a team other than Red Bull and McLaren to have race victory so far this season. However, Villeneuve believes that one race win would not secure Russell’s future at the team. The Canadian highlighted that Mercedes was fully aware of their driver’s capabilities, be it on-track performance or car feedback. As such, Toto Wolff would’ve already made up his mind on Russell’s future if Max Verstappen decides to jump ship.

A race doesn’t make a difference. Mercedes knows the driver, they know how fast Russell is, how he works on the development of the car or not. Just one win doesn’t affect the thought process about who you want in the car. It’s a long-term project and they know exactly how much Russell is worth to the team.
Jacques Villeneuve added

Certainly, George Russell faces great uncertainty for next season. The British driver has remained fully committed to Mercedes, despite being contacted by other teams. On the other hand, the Silver Arrows seem to be focused on what Max Verstappen will decide for next season. This could make Russell a sitting duck in the driver market until the reigning world champion officially confirms his plans. The Mercedes driver must hope that he is able to come up with a back-up plan on time in case the Silver Arrows decide to replace him.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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