Ralf Schumacher claims George Russell’s Mercedes seat “in danger” if Max Verstappen leaves Red Bull

Max Verstappen could've potentially joined Mercedes which would have had ruined George Russell's career with the German carmaker.

Ralf Schumacher claims George Russell’s Mercedes seat “in danger” if Max Verstappen leaves Red Bull

Max Verstappen, George Russell and Ralf Schumacher (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen‘s loyalty to Red Bull will likely continue until the end of his contract by 2028. However, the 26-year-old was recently the center of attraction for a Mercedes move. Several people on the grid believed Verstappen could consider a move to Brackley after Lewis Hamilton switched to Ferrari. Upon this, the former F1 driver, Ralf Schumacher reckoned that George Russell‘s job would be at risk if the switch was to happen.

Max Verstappen had clearly mentioned that not even ‘$250 Million’ would see him exit Red Bull despite Toto Wolff not declining the possibility of the Dutchman joining Mercedes. However, Ralf Schumacher reckoned that Verstappen’s exit from Red Bull could pose an interesting situation. Mercedes would be the ideal and the best choice for the three-time world champion.

If Max Verstappen really decides to leave Red Bull, I can imagine that there will be a seat for him at Mercedes.
Ralf Schumacher told Sky Sports Germany.
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If Verstappen were to move to Mercedes, it would be a dire situation for George Russell as asserted by Schumacher. The German highlighted that despite Russell being a great talent, he committed multiple mistakes. Hence, if the world champion was up for grabs in the drivers’ market, the Briton’s job would be under massive risk.

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Then it could be rather bad for George Russell. He is or was a super talent, but he also makes a lot of mistakes. If a world champion is on the market, I can imagine that George Russell's job could also be in danger.
Ralf Schumacher added.

Mercedes would’ve won the Canadian GP with Max Verstappen

The Brackley-based team scored a great comeback in terms of performance at the Canadian GP. However, both drivers committed multiple mistakes that inadvertently cost them the race victory. Upon this, Schumacher highlighted that Mercedes could’ve won the race if Verstappen was driving the Mercedes chassis. Additionally, the German claimed that Verstappen made a big difference in terms of performance.

Mercedes would have won the race in Canada with Max Verstappen - that's a clear case. Max is the driver who makes the big difference.
Ralf Schumacher noted.
George Russell and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
George Russell and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Apart from this, the 48-year-old added that Mercedes’ long dry spell could only be fixed by a world champion. Additionally, Verstappen’s conservative, pleasant, and sporty nature would help him be comfortable with Mercedes. Hence, Toto Wolff and the German carmaker would do a lot for the Dutchman in F1.

Mercedes has had a long dry spell and urgently needs a world champion to get back to the front.  Verstappen is also a guy who comes across as very conservative, pleasant and sporty. Accordingly, I could imagine that Toto Wolff and Mercedes would do a lot with him and would do a lot for him.
Ralf Schumacher concluded.

Mercedes’ in-season upgrades have slowly started to help them improve the performance of the W15. Brackley’s start to the season has been anything but ideal for the team. Lewis Hamilton’s dream to end the season on a ‘high’ is constantly declining. As a result, the team needs to desperately rediscover their form.

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