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George Russell denied rumours of Max Verstappen taking his Mercedes F1 seat are “disrespectful”, citing even Ferrari would choose him over Lewis Hamilton.
George Russell dismissed the rumors of Max Verstappen possibly replacing him at Mercedes in Formula 1 as “disrespectful,” suggesting even Ferrari would prioritize Verstappen over Lewis Hamilton.
Following Hamilton’s surprise departure at the beginning of last season after 12 years and six titles with Mercedes, Russell assumed the leading role at the team for 2025.
Hamilton’s challenging exit and the allure of Ferrari led to his move to Maranello, with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli stepping in to fill his seat alongside Russell at Mercedes.
Despite ongoing speculations about Russell’s future, particularly with Verstappen’s potential move in 2026, the British driver remains unfazed, expressing that Verstappen would be any team’s preferred choice, including Mercedes.
While Russell’s contract with Mercedes is set to expire at the end of the current season, he remains calm amidst the uncertainty, emphasizing the significance of performance over the length of the contract in determining his future in Formula 1.
