Racing Icon Shuts down Rumors of George Russell Partnering Max Verstappen at Red Bull

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya made it clear that George Russell would not like to be teammates with Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

Racing Icon Shuts down Rumors of George Russell Partnering Max Verstappen at Red Bull

Max Verstappen and George Russell (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Max Verstappen and George Russell are two of the biggest names in the F1 driver market right now. Verstappen is rumored to be considering his future at Red Bull despite having a contract till the end of 2028. On the other hand, Russell is yet to sign a new deal with Mercedes for next season. However, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya reckons that the British driver will not be joining forces at Milton Keynes anytime soon.

Red Bull has had a second driver problem since 2019. No driver has even come close to Max Verstappen at the Austrian squad since then. This year, both Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have failed to match the reigning world champion. While Tsunoda is set to complete the season at Milton Keynes this year, his future remains uncertain.

Rumors had emerged that Red Bull had made initial contact with Russell over a potential switch for 2026. George Russell would be partnering Max Verstappen at Milton Keynes if he agreed to this deal. Though, both drivers are not the best of friends in the paddock.

Juan Pablo Montoya asserted that Russell was the most sought-after driver in the F1 paddock at the moment who did not have a valid contract after the end of this season. This presented Red Bull with the perfect opportunity to poach the Briton from Mercedes as a safeguard against Verstappen’s uncertain future.

Though, the Columbian made it clear that George Russell would not be willing to jump ship to Milton Keynes from Mercedes if Verstappen decided to stay at Red Bull for next season. The two drivers have been involved in a war of words since last season.

Max technically has a contract, but George is the most wanted driver in the field who currently doesn’t have a contract. So if you look at it that way, Red Bull could come in with a lot of money to cover themselves in case Max leaves. Would he go to Red Bull to work with Max? I would say: absolutely not.

Juan Pablo Montoya told AS Colombia

George Russell in ‘bad mood’ since F1 debut

George Russell is one of the most promising stars in Formula 1. The British driver joined the grid in 2019 at Williams, the same year as Lando Norris. While Russell has shown his capabilities since then, and even earned a seat at Mercedes, he is yet to get the chance to battle it out for the world title.

George Russell and Max Verstappen's verbal altercation (via IMAGO)
George Russell and Max Verstappen’s verbal altercation (via IMAGO)

Juan Pablo Montoya claimed that the Mercedes driver has not been happy throughout his F1 career. George Russell was forced to spend three seasons at Williams, at a time when the Grove-based squad was right at the back of the grid. Moreover, by the time George Russell got the call-up to Mercedes in 2022, the Silver Arrows were no longer a title contender. This has undoubtedly frustrated the Briton, who has high ambitions for his career. Though, Montoya cited that he has improved considerably as a driver since then.

George has actually been in a bad mood ever since he entered Formula 1. He joined a team that was used to winning, but just at a time when it wasn’t happening anymore. That was tough for him, but he has developed well and has done a good job so far.

Juan Pablo Montoya added

Certainly, George Russell wants to fight for the world championship. The British driver is not happy with an odd race win here and there. This could potentially open the door for Red Bull to discuss future opportunities with Russell if Verstappen decides to leave Milton Keynes. Though, so far, the Mercedes driver has not shown any direct interest in leaving Brackley for a rival squad.

Read More: Ex-F1 Champion Urges Lando Norris to ‘Grab the Bull by the Horns’ After Canadian GP Fiasco