The Red Bull team is in chaos, and its entropy is growing exponentially. With race strategist Will Courtenay’s latest departure, the Bulls are reconsidering their plan. Sadly, this might not be the last exit, as rumors suggest Max Verstappen’s interest in joining hands with Mercedes. A recent report suggested Verstappen’s manager is in talks with the Silver Arrows about a potential move in 2026. Meanwhile, for the entire 2024 season, Red Bull has been firmly asserting the Dutchman’s future with the squad. Although teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin have openly shown interest in th triple champion, the RBR management remains calm.
However, Christian Horner’s recent remarks about considering George Russell as a potential RB driver have ignited new speculation. While F1 experts tagged the statement as a strategic mind play to bother the German Marque, it might be beyond a political move. The remark hints towards the Milton Keynes-based outfit considering Russell as Verstappen’s alternative.
Mercedes Internal Dynamics, Russell’s Contract, And The Red Bull Driver Crisis
George Russell’s Mercedes contract will soon reach its expiry date. Moreover, the Silver Arrows hare has yet to clarify Russell’s future. Although Toto Wolff has claimed Russell and Kimi to be the future of Mercedes, the contract remains a mystery. This is the reason why Horner looked interested in a possible negotiation. The RBR chief said it would be “foolish” to not consider the young British racer as an option. On the other hand, when Wolff was asked to address these remarks, he simply dismissed them, claiming that they were a mind game.
The fun part is Wolff has been actively pursuing Verstappen. Meanwhile, Kimi is dubbed as the future Mercedes star. Thus, by simply math, it is clear that Russell might find himself squeezed out, creating a gap that Red Bull could capitalize on. Ironically, the Austrian outfit is in the middle of a driver’s crisis. The internal tensions, including a power struggle and Verstappen’s visible disenchantment with F1, are putting a question mark on RBR’s stability. Currently, the team lacks a solid backup plan to replace a triple-world champion. Thus, the team would be in jeopardy if the 26-year-old Dutch decided to leave.
While Horner dreams of Russell complementing Verstappen rather than replacing him, this appears to be highly unlikely. The RBR management has prioritized Verstappen, filling the second seat with a less competitive driver. However, Russell, with his competitive spirit, would be a headache for the team management.
Would Red Bull Give The Mantle To George Russell?
Ultimately, it appears that Red Bull acknowledges the necessity of considering life beyond Verstappen. Russell’s exceptional talent—demonstrated by his strong qualifying performances and race-winning capabilities—makes him a compelling option for the team.
As Red Bull continues to grapple with uncertainties in its driver lineup, overlooking a promising talent like Russell would be unwise and a significant oversight. With the shifting dynamics of the driver market, it may soon become crucial for Red Bull to adapt its strategy, keeping an eye on potential game-changers as the 2026 season approaches.
