Ex-F1 Team Boss Pinpoints Mercedes’ ‘George Russell Problem’ over Max Verstappen Rumors

Max Verstappen is the biggest name in the F1 driver market right now. Despite having a valid Red Bull contract for 2028, there have been persistent rumors over the Dutchman wanting to join a new team. Mercedes has emerged as the frontrunner in this race, providing the best option for the 27-year-old ahead of the rule change. However, Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner believes that George Russell might be throwing a spanner in the works in this situation.

George Russell was promoted to Mercedes in 2022 after spending three seasons at Williams. The British driver got out of Lewis Hamilton‘s shadow this year, as the seven-time world champion joined Ferrari. Russell hoped to finally become the team leader at Brackley, with a long-term goal to win the championship.

Unfortunately, rumors over Max Verstappen wanting to join Mercedes will cost the Briton heavily. It is believed that Toto Wolff will likely replace Russell with Verstappen in such a scenario. George Russell is yet to receive a contract for next year, something that further escalates the situation. Albeit, his teammate Kimi Antonelli is also waiting for a new contract.

Guenther Steiner made an interesting claim over the Verstappen-Russell contract saga. The Italian-American believed that Wolff is happy to have George Russell stay on the team for another year, potentially paving the way for the Red Bull star in 2027, if things do not work out for next season. However, Russell, who knows what might be going on behind-the-scenes would likely want a longer term deal to secure his future at the Silver Arrows. Such a deal would make it much more difficult for Toto Wolff to get Max Verstappen onboard.

I think they want to give George a one-year contract to have the possibility of having Max in ’27, and George obviously says, ‘I don’t want a one-year contract. I want three years, something like this.

Guenther Steiner said on The Red Flags podcast

Guenther Steiner exposes Max Verstappen’s future plan in F1

Max Verstappen is in a tough spot over his future in Formula 1. The reigning world champion has seemingly lost faith in Red Bull and is considering his options for the future. There are rumors that the Dutchman wants out as early as the end of the season, with Mercedes being the frontrunner for his new destination. However, Guenther Steiner has a different idea in his mind.