Jenson Button Asserts Max Verstappen Could Force George Russell out of Mercedes

Max Verstappen is at the center of attention over rumors of leaving Red Bull for the coming season. The Dutchman has given it his all to keep up with the winning pace, but the team’s woeful performance this year has caused him trouble in his pursuit of the championship. Because of this, the 27-year-old is losing faith in the team and is reportedly looking at his options join Mercedes. There are rumors that he could replace George Russell. While the Briton is performing well at Brackley, Jenson Button reckons that Verstappen could easily replace the veteran Silver Arrow.

George Russell‘s contract with Mercedes runs out at the end of the 2025 season. While the contract extension should have already been announced, Toto Wolff is playing the waiting game. This delay in Russell’s extension confirms that Wolff is looking at different options, especially Max Verstappen in the off-chance that he leaves Red Bull in 2026. The rookie at Brackley, Kimi Antonelli, is unlikely to get the axe as he is Mercedes’ project since his early karting days.

Keeping in mind these conditions, it is highly unlikely to witness a Russell-Verstappen duo at Mercedes in 2026. Still, the 2009 F1 champion, Jenson Button, asserted that he would love to see this pair at Brackley. Button raised concerns over this possibility ever coming true as the German carmaker wouldn’t want two fierce drivers risking results just to be the No.1 driver. Regardless, from a television point of view, the viewers and fans wouldn’t mind this rivalry being played on the grid.

I would love to see it. Whether it would happen or not, I don’t know. But, you know, from my point of view as a fan of the sport and also doing TV work, yes, we want to see that.

Jenson Button said on The Sports Agents podcast

Jenson Button drew a parallel with the Verstappen-Russell duo to Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna‘s legendary rivalry back in the day, as every fan would want to watch this modern rivalry between the two. Button praised George Russell for his racecraft and driving skills, as he is performing great at Mercedes this year. However, the 2009 champion couldn’t help but feel bad for the Briton as he is the likely one to quit from Brackley to make way for Max Verstappen.

We want to see that within a team. It’s Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, do you know what I mean? So I am a big fan of both of them. I think they’re both very skilled. I feel for George a little bit because, you know, everyone’s saying if Max does go to Mercedes, it’ll be George that’s leaving.

Jenson Button added

Jenson Button claims Toto Wolff in tough spot over Max Verstappen rumors

Toto Wolff’s undying interest in Max Verstappen isn’t unknown to the public of Formula 1. Wolff had previously claimed that he hadn’t lost hope in signing the reigning world champion and that he wished to see him at Mercedes one day. As such, the team principal is likely not going to hesitate before snubbing George Russell to make way for the Dutchman.