George Russell ‘welcomes’ the idea of Max Verstappen becoming his new Mercedes team-mate… with the Dutchman’s future in doubt after father Jos said Red Bull would ‘explode’ unless Christian Horner resigns
- Max Verstappen’s father is angry with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner
- Mercedes boss Toto Wolff spoke with Verstappen Snr in Bahrain last weekend
- George Russell insists he would welcome the challenge of facing Verstappen
George Russell has welcomed the idea of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes as the three-time world champion leaves Red Bull.
Verstappen’s future is at stake after his father Jos told Mail Sport the title-winning team would ‘explode’ unless Christian Horner steps down as boss.
Verstappen Snr is angry with Horner, despite the 50-year-old Englishman being acquitted of charges of ‘coercive behaviour’ towards a female colleague.
A day after the verdict of an internal investigation, a leaked email provided evidence showing that Horner sent suggestive WhatsApp messages to his colleague.
Verstappen Snr held talks – and dinner – with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in Bahrain last week, while a source close to the Verstappens further suggested they were willing to consider a move elsewhere if the situation at Red Bull did not improve.
George Russell has welcomed the idea of Max Verstappen becoming his new teammate
Verstappen has been linked with a move to Mercedes after the recent drama at Red Bull
Max’s father Jos (right) said Red Bull would ‘explode’ if Christian Horner (right) retained his role at the team, while also holding talks with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in Bahrain
Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Russell said: ‘Every team wants to have the best possible driver line-up and at the moment Max is the best driver on the grid.
“If a team had the opportunity to sign Max, they would take it 100 percent. But the question is on his side and on Red Bull’s side and we don’t know what really happens behind closed doors and it’s none of our business, but it would be exciting.”
There is a seat available at Mercedes next year if Lewis Hamilton goes to Ferrari, while there are break clauses in Verstappen’s deal at Red Bull that runs until 2028.
“This is my third season alongside Lewis, the best of all time,” Russell added.
Russell (right), who put in strong work against Lewis Hamilton, believes he can ‘beat anyone on the grid’, including three-time world champion Verstappen (left)
“I feel like I did a pretty good job next to him.
“Whoever will be next to me, I welcome the challenge.
“You want to compete against the best, but I am focused on myself and I believe I can beat anyone on the grid. It has been good for me to have Lewis as a benchmark.”