The Formula 1 world is abuzz with speculation about a possible move from Max Verstappen to Mercedes, and George Russell, the team’s current captain, has given a surprising response to the rumours. In an interview with RacingNews365 on 18 April 2025, Russell addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his expiring contract and the possibility of the four-time world champion becoming his teammate. His calm and confident demeanour has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, while tensions between Russell and Verstappen, which rose after an incident in Qatar last year, add an extra layer to the story.
Rumours surrounding Verstappen’s future have been fuelled by ongoing issues at Red Bull Racing. Despite a contract running until 2028, Verstappen’s contract includes exit clauses that allow him to leave if the team fails to perform. After a disappointing Bahrain Grand Prix, where Verstappen struggled against Haas and Alpine in an underpowered RB21, Red Bull’s crisis has flared up again, fuelling speculation of a move to Mercedes, who are said to be in a strong position ahead of the team’s new engine regulations in 2026. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has made no secret of his desire to bring Verstappen on board, with recent reports suggesting the pair even met at Eindhoven Airport in March 2025.
Russell, whose contract expires at the end of 2025, has remained remarkably relaxed about the speculation. “From my perspective, there is absolutely no stress. I am not worried about anything,” he told Sky Sports F1 . He added that rumours are often exaggerated and that he is focused on his performance. “When you start talking about rumours, I listen with half an ear. Some of them are closer to the truth, but we never talk about contracts before May or June.” His confidence has been built on a strong start to the season, with two third-place finishes in Australia and China, which leaves him just one point behind Verstappen in the championship.
The dynamic between Russell and Verstappen is complex, partly due to an incident during qualifying for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix. Verstappen was given a grid penalty for obstructing Russell, leading to a heated exchange. Verstappen stated that he had lost “all respect” for Russell, while Russell claimed that Verstappen threatened to “drive him into the wall”. Russell later said he had no intention of burying the hatchet: “I’m not going back to be best friends. People always give in to him, but that’s not how I work.” This tension makes the idea of a partnership at Mercedes all the more intriguing.
Still, Russell doesn’t seem intimidated by the opportunity to drive alongside Verstappen. In previous interviews, such as with Motorsport.com in May 2024, he said: “I would welcome it. I believe in myself and want to compete against the best in the same car.” He pointed to his experience as team-mate to Lewis Hamilton, whom he beat in the championship in two of his three seasons. “If you beat the best of them all, what do you have to prove?” Russell’s confidence is buoyed by praise from Wolff, who calls him one of the top three drivers, “maybe even on the way to number one.”
The stakes are high for Mercedes. With 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli set to join Russell as team-mate in 2025, the team is looking to the future. But if Verstappen becomes available, Wolff could be forced to sacrifice one of the current drivers. Analysts such as Martin Brundle have warned that Russell’s seat could be in jeopardy: “If Max comes on the market, I would be worried if I’m George. Toto won’t let him slip away again.” Yet Russell remains unruffled, insisting that his focus is on racing and performing.
Speculation has gripped the Formula 1 community, with fans at X divided in their reactions. Some are backing Russell’s confidence, while others see a Verstappen-Antonelli duo as Mercedes’ dream line-up. For now, Russell’s future at Mercedes appears to hinge on his performances and Wolff’s strategic choices. As the season progresses, one thing remains certain: the Verstappen-Mercedes saga is far from over, and Russell’s role in it is only going to get more exciting by the race.