Russell Haunted By Verstappen's Spectre As Mercedes Rumours Gain Steam

Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 11:35 IST

George Russell faces a crucial British Grand Prix amid rumors of Max Verstappen replacing him at Mercedes next year. Russell, fourth in standings, seeks a win to secure his future.

George Russell (L) could find himself replaced by Max Verstappen (R) at Mercedes. (AP)

George Russell enters his home British Grand Prix this weekend amid swirling rumours and unconfirmed reports that fierce rival and four-time world champion Max Verstappen has accepted an offer to replace him next year.

As Formula One returns to the historic circuit that hosted its first world championship race 75 years ago, the 27-year-old Briton faces an extraordinary dilemma. He seeks a fifth career victory to secure his seat and future with Mercedes.

A win, which could see him surpass Verstappen in the drivers’ title race, might allow the Dutchman, also 27, to activate an exit clause in his Red Bull contract, set to run until 2028.

It is widely believed that if Verstappen is not in the top three in the championship by the end of July, with a realistic chance of claiming a fifth title, he can move elsewhere. This prospect gained momentum on Wednesday with reports suggesting he has already agreed to join Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

Ahead of Sunday’s race, Verstappen is third with 155 points and Russell is fourth with 146.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Verstappen and Wolff have held “concrete negotiations" resulting in the Dutchman giving his consent. No details were provided, and the story remains unconfirmed.

However, veteran British commentator and former F1 driver Martin Brundle, a close confidante of Russell, suggested: “There’s no smoke without fire." He added that Russell was “nervous and ringing around a little bit." “Something is up," Brundle told Sky Sports F1.

Russell is sure to garner widespread sympathy and support from a large Silverstone crowd – 500,000 attendees are expected over the four days – who will also back fellow Britons Lando Norris of McLaren and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari, hoping one of them will triumph and spark celebrations.

The end of a fierce heatwave could benefit Mercedes and Russell, who struggle in high temperatures, to find the form that led him to victory in Canada. However, he knows even that may not be enough to convince Wolff if Verstappen manages to exit his contract.

Wolff was reticent in Austria last weekend. “You need to be respectful towards the stakeholders in that process – the organisation, the drivers… everybody. You need to understand the way forward," he said. “I don’t want to be sadistic in letting a driver wait or not taking any decisions when it should be taken."

For Russell, should he not be offered a new contract after three years with the Silver Arrows, opportunities are limited. The only top-level vacancy may be as Verstappen’s successor at Red Bull.

This will add excitement to a weekend potentially dominated by the McLaren duo of championship leader Oscar Piastri and Norris, who will have the support of 10,000 fans in a grandstand named after him as he seeks to overcome a 15-point deficit at the top of the standings.

The pair dominated last Sunday’s Austrian race, recording their fourth 1-2 of the year, and will be pursuing McLaren’s first Silverstone win since Hamilton in 2008.

Norris claimed victory last Sunday, but Piastri led him home for the other three 1-2 finishes and has won five races this year. “It’s my favourite weekend of the year," said Norris. “To have my family, friends, home fans, and so many of the team there supporting us takes it to another level."

Hamilton, driving a Ferrari on home asphalt for the first time, will also hope to stir emotions as the Italian team seeks to build on an improved finish last weekend, thanks to an upgraded floor.

After securing a stunning record ninth home win last year, Hamilton will aim for at least his first podium of the season, having finished fourth behind team-mate Charles Leclerc and the two McLarens in Austria. Last year, his victory ended a 52-race winless streak and was one of the most famous of his record total of 105.

With AFP Inputs

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Location :

Silverstone, UK

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News sports Russell Haunted By Verstappen's Spectre As Mercedes Rumours Gain Steam