George Russell is actually considered to be a permanent fixture at Mercedes, but if Max Verstappen arrives, that could change very quickly, believes Ralf Schumacher
Could George Russell even lose his Mercedes cockpit if Max Verstappen leaves Red Bull and joins the Silver Arrows after all? Expert Ralf Schumacher believes this is a distinct possibility
Because the driver market for 2025 is going wild this year. Following the departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, Mercedes has a vacant cockpit for next year and is looking for a successor to the Brit alongside George Russell.
In the meantime, much seems to point to Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes is said to have already turned down Carlos Sainz, which suggests that the team is pursuing another option. Head of Motorsport Toto Wolff also made statements in this regard in Canada that point towards signing the young Italian.
A further step was taken last week: the FIA relaxed the minimum age for a super license, opening the door for possible entries this season – possibly in preparation for joining Mercedes in 2025.
Ralf Schumacher also believes that Antonelli will drive for Mercedes in Formula 1 next year: “Apparently there are also contractual agreements in place. It doesn’t say which team it has to be with – but because Williams is spoken for, I assume it will be with Mercedes,” the German told Sky.
Verstappen switch “could be bad for Russell “
Williams spoken for? Officially, only Alexander Albon’s cockpit is fixed so far, but there are currently rumors that Sainz will be confirmed as Williams’ second driver this weekend in Spain, which Schumacher says is the best option for him.
This would mean that a seat at Mercedes would be the logical consequence for Antonelli and the Silver Arrows would be occupied. But what would happen if Max Verstappen, who Toto Wolff is still waiting for and would love to sign, suddenly became available? Then Mercedes would suddenly have three drivers for two cockpits
Schumacher suspects: “Then it could be rather bad for George Russell.”
“He is or was a super talent, but he also makes a lot of mistakes. If a world champion is then on the market, I can imagine that George Russell’s job could also be in danger,” he says.
Ralf: Max would have won in Canada
Because Schumacher does not believe that Mercedes would miss out on the Dutchman’s services. He is certain: “Mercedes would have won the race in Canada with Max Verstappen – a clear case. “
The three-time champion is a driver who makes the difference. “Mercedes has had a long dry spell and urgently needs a world champion to get back to the front. Verstappen is also a guy who comes across as very conservative, pleasant and sporty,” says Schumacher.
“Accordingly, I could imagine that Toto Wolff and Mercedes would do a lot with him and do a lot for him. “
