George Russell Labels Max Verstappen ‘Number 1’ Target in Driver Market Amid Mercedes Rumors

George Russell reignited rumors over Max Verstappen's potential switch to Mercedes for next season.

George Russell Labels Max Verstappen ‘Number 1’ Target in Driver Market Amid Mercedes Rumors

George Russell (via Getty), Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Max Verstappen‘s Formula 1 future remains one of the biggest talking points in the paddock. The Dutchman is committed to Red Bull till at least 2028 via a massive long-term deal. However, there is still uncertainty over the 27-year-old’s plans. Following the Canadian GP, George Russell added fuel to fire over rumors of Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes.

The reigning world champion has been linked to the Silver Arrows since last season. There have even been comments from Mercedes personnel, showing direct interest in Verstappen. If Max Verstappen does join the Brackley-based team, George Russell might be in danger of being forced out. The Briton has been rumored to be in talks with Red Bull for such a scenario.

After the Montreal race, Russell pointed out that no team could afford to ignore Max Verstappen. The Briton reckoned that if every team had vacant spots for next season, then Verstappen would’ve been the number one pick for all of them. Currently, Mercedes is yet to renew its contracts for Russell as well as Kimi Antonelli. This might be an indirect way for the Mercedes driver to state that the Dutchman is on his team’s radar for next season.

Like I said numerous times, why wouldn’t a team be interested in Max? If every driver had no contract for next year, Max would be number one for every single team.

George Russell said post-race

Max Verstappen applauds ‘good job’ by Red Bull in Montreal

The Dutch driver’s decision for next season will rely largely on Red Bull’s performance. Max Verstappen does have an exit clause in his contract which can be triggered during the summer break. The 27-year-old will be keeping a close eye on his team’s progress in comparison to its rivals to decide whether he wants to continue at Milton Keynes.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Verstappen finished in second place in Montreal, right behind race-winner George Russell. The Red Bull star was comfortably ahead of McLaren in terms of pure pace this weekend, and not far behind Russell.

Max Verstappen admitted that the race wasn’t very easy, but he was able to maximize his performance. The 27-year-old was comfortable with the car’s performance, as it didn’t make him struggle to hold his position. Verstappen asserted that he and his team managed to do a good job this time around.

It was not the easiest race but as a team we managed it well. We maximized everything we could because honestly, throughout the race, I never felt I was holding onto second. So we did a good job. I think the whole weekend the car was reasonable and strategy wise we did the best we could.

Max Verstappen said post-race

Max Verstappen’s second place result in Montreal will be an encouraging sign for the 27-year-old. The four-time world champion would want Red Bull to continue to showcase such a promising pace in the rest of the year to ensure that he can have a real chance at defending the world title.

Read More: McLaren Breaks Silence on Shock Crash Between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at Canadian GP