Mercedes is reportedly motivated by the prospect of signing Max Verstappen from Red Bull, a move that Martin Brundle suggests would leave their Formula 1 rivals in a `dire` situation.
Mercedes driver George Russell revealed at the recent Austrian Grand Prix that his own contract extension was pending due to the team`s interest in Verstappen. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff later confirmed these `conversations` with Verstappen`s representatives.
Furthermore, reports suggest Verstappen is open to the switch, with discussions accelerating ahead of this weekend`s British Grand Prix.
F1 analyst Martin Brundle pointed out the factual situation: “George Russell`s contract for next year hasn`t been announced, which is highly unusual because he`s doing a brilliant job for Mercedes.”
“He`s a long-term Mercedes driver and has taken over effectively after Lewis Hamilton`s departure. So, for his situation to lack clarity halfway through the season is strange.”
Brundle added, “Crucially, no one is outright denying that Max Verstappen is in discussions with Mercedes – either side, so something is definitely happening.”
Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, but it is understood to include a release clause allowing him to leave if he is outside the top four in the Drivers` Championship by the summer break.
While a fifth consecutive title seems unlikely this year with McLaren`s dominance, Verstappen is currently third in the standings, 36 points clear of Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc in fifth, with three races left before the break.
Brundle mentioned the formal process: “F1 has a Contract Recognition Board in Switzerland where all contracts are filed and disputes are resolved. But the question remains: can you force an unhappy driver to stay?”
Brundle believes the strategic advantage is clear for Mercedes: “For Mercedes, signing Verstappen wouldn`t just bring the currently fastest driver to their team, it would also weaken Red Bull. Indeed, if you remove Verstappen`s results from Red Bull`s performance over recent seasons, their record would look quite poor.”
Potential Partnership: Antonelli and Verstappen at Mercedes?
If Mercedes secures Verstappen, they would face a difficult decision between George Russell and his new teammate Kimi Antonelli, both products of their young driver program.
Antonelli, only 18, was quickly promoted to a highly sought-after seat this season after Lewis Hamilton moved to Ferrari.
Brundle commented: “Mercedes and Toto Wolff are heavily invested in Kimi Antonelli as a future star. I also know George has been exploring options with other teams.”
He raised questions about the potential pairing: “Would they risk pitting Antonelli, their potential future champion, directly against Max Verstappen? Max is known for overshadowing his teammates due to his speed. Would they be willing to lose George Russell, who they have nurtured and manage?”
“Furthermore,” Brundle added, “Max brings some complexities – the group around him isn`t always easy to deal with, and as mentioned, he`s decisively beaten his teammates.”
Brundle concluded, “The situation`s outcome is uncertain. However, it`s understandable why any F1 team principal would consider signing Verstappen if he were available in the market.”
Gilbert Pendleton 
Wesley Dunham