According to Martin Brundle, the prospect of signing Max Verstappen from Red Bull is highly motivating for Mercedes because it would put their Formula 1 rival in a “pretty dire” situation.
At the recent Austrian Grand Prix, Mercedes driver George Russell informed Sky Sports F1 that his contract extension was being delayed due to the team`s interest in Verstappen. Following this, Silver Arrows team boss Toto Wolff confirmed he was engaged in “conversations” with Verstappen`s representatives.
Further reports later suggested that Verstappen is open to a move and discussions are intensifying ahead of the upcoming British Grand Prix weekend.
Martin Brundle of Sky Sports F1 commented on the situation: “What are the facts we know? George Russell`s contract for next year hasn`t been announced, which is quite unusual given his excellent performance for Mercedes. He`s a long-time Mercedes driver who has effectively stepped up since Lewis Hamilton left. So, the lack of clarity on his situation as we approach the season`s midpoint is strange.”
Brundle added, “Crucially, no one, neither Mercedes nor Verstappen`s team, is categorically denying that talks are happening. So, clearly, something is going on.”
Verstappen`s current contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2028. However, it`s believed to include a performance clause allowing him to leave at the end of a season if he is outside the top four in the Drivers` Championship standings by the summer break.
While he seems unlikely to secure a fifth consecutive title in 2025, with McLaren showing strong form, Verstappen is currently third, holding a 36-point advantage over Charles Leclerc in fifth place with three races remaining before the summer break.
Brundle also mentioned the Contract Recognition Board in F1, where contracts are centrally registered, and disputes are managed. However, he posed the question: “But can you truly keep a driver in a seat if they are unhappy?”
He emphasized the strategic advantage for Mercedes: “From Mercedes` perspective, securing Verstappen wouldn`t just give them the fastest driver on the grid currently, it would also remove him from Red Bull. If you were to look at Red Bull`s results over recent seasons without Verstappen`s contributions, the picture would look quite bleak.”
Would Mercedes Risk Pairing Antonelli with Verstappen?
Should Mercedes sign Verstappen, they would need to decide between keeping Russell or his teammate Kimi Antonelli, both graduates of the team`s junior program.
Antonelli, aged just 18, was fast-tracked into a coveted F1 seat this season following Lewis Hamilton`s departure for Ferrari.
Brundle considered the implications for Mercedes` driver lineup: “I believe Mercedes and Toto Wolff, in particular, are heavily invested in Kimi Antonelli as a future star. I also know that George [Russell] has been in contact with other teams.”
“Would they be willing to risk pitting Antonelli, their future talent, against Max Verstappen? Max has a history of significantly outperforming and effectively `breaking` his teammates with his speed,” Brundle questioned.
He continued, “Would they be prepared to lose George Russell? He`s one of their own, someone they manage. And Max brings some complications; he`s not always the easiest driver to handle, and he`s proven disruptive to his team-mates.”
“We`ll just have to see exactly how this situation unfolds. But I understand completely why… if you are running a Formula 1 team and Max Verstappen becomes available, you absolutely have to consider signing him,” Brundle concluded.
