George Russell would welcome Max Verstappen to Mercedes with open arms and is not afraid of a strong team-mate after Lewis Hamilton
If Max Verstappen really were to switch to Mercedes in 2025, George Russell would welcome him with open arms: “I’d be all for it,” says the Briton, who doesn’t yet know who his team-mate will be next year
The only thing that is certain is that Lewis Hamilton will leave the team for Ferrari. Who his successor will be is still up in the air. However, the name Max Verstappen is repeatedly mentioned, who could leave Red Bull for Mercedes if the situation in his team continues to deteriorate.
With Adrian Newey, an important player is already leaving Red Bull – will Verstappen now follow? “If there was a chance to sign someone like Max, I think everyone would do it,” says Russell, who is not afraid of a duel with the Dutchman: “I would love the opportunity to compete against Max.”
As we know, Russell is not afraid of big names, as he has been taking on record-breaking world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes since 2022 and has done remarkably well. In his very first year, Russell came out on top within the team, and this season, too, it is the youngster who has had the better start to the season.
“When I joined Mercedes, I had a team-mate who had celebrated over 100 wins and six championships with the team. And I think I did very well in those two and a half years,” says Russell.
“Results speak for themselves “
“So I don’t think I need to prove to Mercedes or anyone else in the paddock what I can do. In the end, the results speak for themselves,” he says.
“I fight it out with him week in, week out and if I had the chance to do it again against someone like Max, then that would be great for me because I believe in myself and my abilities,” said Russell.
That’s why he told team boss Toto Wolff that he will welcome any opponent – no matter who it is. And you can’t say for sure who the fastest driver in the field is anyway. “You can only drive as fast as your car allows,” he says.
“Everyone is only measured against their teammate, and I think I had a pretty good teammate, but I want to show more,” says the Briton. “I want to fight for world championships. “
Antonelli at Mercedes one day for sure
Another name that is repeatedly mentioned in connection with Mercedes is Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Formula 2 driver is regarded as a great young hope and is currently already gaining his first Formula 1 experience in test drives in an old car. The question for him is whether the 2025 promotion could come too soon
“I’ve heard that he’s doing a good job,” says Russell, “but when you’re driving on your own, it’s always difficult to get a reference. It’s just about him getting the experience he needs.”
Russell has no doubt that Antonelli will ride for Mercedes at some point. “But will it be next year or later? Only time will tell,” he says. In any case, the Italian is “a great rider” who has won everything in his junior career. “So there’s no reason not to see him among the best in Formula 1 in the coming years. “