George Russell 'in contact' over F1 team switch after Max Verstappen talks

George Russell, Mercedes, British GP, Britain, 2025 — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

George Russell 'in contact' over F1 team switch after Max Verstappen talks

Russell is being forced to wait for a new contract

Kevin McKenna

Saturday 12 July 2025 19:00

George Russell's Mercedes future remains uncertain, with one prominent figure in the paddock claiming that the Brit has begun talking to other teams.

The Silver Arrows star is in a contract year and, with reigning world champion Max Verstappen being linked with his seat, risks being left out in the cold.

Russell has remained relaxed about the matter, insisting that he is confident he will be offered a new deal, and has previously denied that he is exploring other options.

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But respected broadcaster Martin Brundle has now cast doubt over that statement, revealing that the Brit has indeed been involved in discussions with rival bosses.

Speaking on Sky Sports F1 ahead of last weekend's British Grand Prix, Brundle said: "I think Mercedes and Toto [Wolff], in particular, are so invested in Kimi Antonelli as the future star and I know that George has been making contact with other teams."

George Russell may be axed by Toto Wolff if Max Verstappen becomes available

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He continued: "Would they want to risk putting Antonelli, their future star, up against Max Verstappen?

"Max has broken a lot of team-mates because of speed. Would they want to lose George Russell? One of their own, who they manage.

"And Max comes with a little bit of baggage - it's not the easiest group to handle, and he's broken his team-mates.

"We'll have to wait and see exactly how that plays out. But I can see why, if you're running a Formula 1 team and Verstappen is in the marketplace, you've got to consider hiring him."

There is plenty of bad blood between Russell and Verstappen, with the pair involved in several high-profile clashes over the past 12 months.

Russell accused the Dutchman of being a 'bully' as the 2024 campaign approached its conclusion, and the tension has since spilled over on to the track in 2025, with Verstappen heavily punished having been deemed to intentionally collide with his rival at the Canadian GP.