Mercedes F1 star opens door for Max Verstappen arrival

Verstappen and Hamilton during group photo in Bahrain — Photo: © IMAGO

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Mercedes F1 star opens door for Verstappen arrival

Max Verstappen has been strongly linked with a future switch to Mercedes

By Kevin McKenna.

Sunday 15 September 2024 02:00

Mercedes star George Russell hasn't ruled out Max Verstappen joining the team in 2026.

The three-time Formula 1 champion has been consistently linked with a shock move to the Brackley-based outfit, amid reports that he may wish to move on from Red Bull.

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made no secret of his desire to tempt the Dutchman away from the reigning constructors' champions, as he looked to find a replacement for the outgoing Lewis Hamilton.

However, any rumours of a 2025 switch were firmly put to bed following last month's announcement that Kimi Antoneli will be the man trusted to fill Hamilton's shoes.

George Russell's Mercedes contract is up at the end of next season

Max Verstappen had been tipped to team up with Russell in 2025

Russell not thinking about future

With Russell's contract up at the end of 2025, coupled with uncertainty over whether Antonelli can make the step up from F2, Mercedes may yet try to lure Verstappen away for a second time in as many years.

Russell - who sits eights in the 2024 drivers' standings - insists however, that he is not worried about his future, despite admitting that he has been given no indication of a new deal in the pipeline.

“It’s super exciting for 2026 with Mercedes,” said the two-time race winner, as reported by Motorsportweek.com.

"There’s nothing signed up yet for the future, and it’s something I’m not even thinking about, really.”

Red Bull Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Formula 1 George Russell