The F1 Drivers’ carousel rests on the boundaries of the tectonic plates. It is just a move away from a major shakeup. Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move was one such tremor, juggling the entire driver’s lineup. Recently, Mercedes announced Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement, who will partner up with George Russell in 2025.
However, the Brackley-based outfit has clear priorities, as the team is desperate to sign Max Verstappen. However, the Mercedes chief accepts there is no possibility of signing Verstappen in 2025. He also admits the team would try its best to lure in the triple champion ahead of the 2026 regulatory revamp. As a result, an ex-Mercedes driver believes it could jeopardize George Russell’s seat.
Nico Rosberg Predicts An ‘Uncomfortable’ Future For George Russell
Nico Rosberg and Martin Brundle have voiced concerns about George Russell’s position within the Mercedes team, predicting that next season could bring “uncomfortable” challenges for the young driver. Rosberg highlighted that with Max Verstappen being Mercedes’s clear priority, Russell faces a tough battle ahead. The team sees Verstappen as one of the top five drivers of all time, and they’re focusing on securing him for 2026. This places Russell in direct competition with emerging talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli, an 18-year-old considered a future superstar.
Moreover, Rosberg pointed out that Russell is expected to outperform Antonelli, which puts him in a precarious situation where there’s more to lose than gain. With Russell being one of the top qualifiers, consistently outperforming Lewis Hamilton, the pressure will be on him to maintain his edge over Antonelli to secure his spot alongside Verstappen.
Martin Brundle echoed Rosberg’s sentiments, acknowledging that while Russell will enter 2025 as Mercedes’ undisputed leader, he still has reasons to be nervous. Brundle noted Toto Wolff’s significant personal investment in Antonelli and the ongoing efforts to bring Verstappen into the fold. As a result, Russell may find himself constantly looking over his shoulder, even as he leads the team.
Formula One Journalist Picks The ‘Only Option’ For Russell If He Parts Way With Mercedes
In a recent episode of The Race Podcast, journalist Ben Anderson discussed George Russell’s limited options if Mercedes decides to part ways with him in 2026. Anderson pointed out that the top teams outside of Mercedes, such as Ferrari and McLaren, are likely locked into their driver lineups until at least the end of 2026, leaving Russell with few alternatives.
According to Anderson, the most viable option for Russell might be a move to Alpine, provided Jack Doohan underperforms, or a gamble on Audi, which still has an open seat—one that Carlos Sainz previously opted not to pursue. However, Anderson emphasized that Russell’s best, and perhaps only, option could be a direct swap with Max Verstappen. While appearing as a setback for Red Bull, given Verstappen’s accomplishments, this scenario might still be more favorable for the team than sticking with their current uncertain driver lineup of Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda, and Liam Lawson. Anderson suggested that Russell would be a more reliable replacement for Verstappen than the alternatives Red Bull is currently considering for their second car.