F1 pundit warns Mercedes 'embarrassing' driver over Max Verstappen pursuit

George Russell, Mercedes, Monaco, 2025 — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

F1 pundit warns Mercedes 'embarrassing' driver over Max Verstappen pursuit

Russell is being forced to wait for a new contract

Originally written by Chris Deeley. This version is a translation.

Saturday 5 July 2025 19:00

F1 pundit Martin Brundle has warned Mercedes that they could risk alienating their star driver over their pursuit of Max Verstappen.

George Russell has been very publicly waiting to be offered a new contract by his team, while they chase after the reigning world champion as a possible upgrade.

It's broadly assumed that Russell would be the driver to make way for Verstappen if the Silver Arrows were able to poach the Dutchman, with teenager Kimi Antonelli seen as the long-term future of the team.

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Verstappen and his British rival have clashed multiple times over the last year or so, creating a potentially combustable team-mate relationship for the ages if they were forced to share a garage.

Brundle: Russell hung out to dry by Mercedes

I think he’s been hung out to dry a little bit, he’s done a brilliant job of leading the Mercedes team, he’s picked up the mantle from Lewis Hamilton very well. It must be super uncomfortable for him and a bit embarrassing that he’s sitting there waiting.

“Of course, Max Verstappen, everyone accepts he’s the fastest one on the grid, comes with certain challenges as well, but it’s a very difficult situation and that’s the crucible of Formula 1, it’s a shark pool out there.”

Russell, for his part, has handled the situation calmly in public – acknowledging that acquiring Verstappen would be a coup for any team on the grid which keeping his head down and putting his work in on the track.

NASCAR Max Verstappen Mercedes George Russell Kimi Antonelli Martin Brundle