F1 News: Verstappen's Possible Mercedes Switch Could Be Problematic For Russell - Insider
Former driver Giancarlo Fisichella has revealed that Max Verstappen's possible switch to Mercedes as a Lewis Hamilton replacement in 2025 could prove difficult and problematic for George Russell.
Key Takeaways:
- Fisichella suggests that Max Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes in 2025 as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton could pose challenges for George Russell.
- Amidst Lewis Hamilton's surprising move to Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes seeks a replacement to partner with George Russell. Speculation rises over Max Verstappen's future amid controversies within the Red Bull team.
- Verstappen's negative response to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko's possible suspension hints at a potential departure alongside Marko. However, Verstappen's enduring partnership with Red Bull makes it unlikely for him to join Mercedes soon.
Amid Hamilton's surprising move to Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes is now in search of a replacement to partner with George Russell for the upcoming season. As controversy swirls around Christian Horner and internal dynamics within the Red Bull team persist, speculation mounts regarding Max Verstappen's future.
Rumors hint at the possibility of the three-time world champion joining Mercedes as a potential replacement for Hamilton, with team principal Toto Wolff seen engaging in discussion with Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, following the Bahrain Grand Prix season opener.
Assuming that Verstappen would switch to Mercedes next year due to internal unrest within Red Bull, he will race alongside Russell, a reality that would be difficult for the British driver to handle considering the three-time championship winner's dominating pace in the ground effect era, as witnessed from the end of 2021.
Conversely, Fisichella also implies that Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes could bolster Russell's competitiveness, as he has showcased his capabilities by outperforming Hamilton on several occasions.
Speaking about the Verstappen to Mercedes possibility alongside Russell, Fisichella said:
"It could be hard for George to work with Max Verstappen, but it also would be good for him.
"In the last year he has even been faster than Hamilton at times and having another demanding team-mate could help."
Yet, given Verstappen's enduring alliance with his Red Bull title contender, whether with the RB19 or the current RB20, it seems improbable that he would transition to Mercedes in the near future. This is particularly evident when considering Mercedes' lack of success in producing a race-winning car since 2022.
Thank you to OCB Scores for setting up this interview.