According to F1 analyst Martin Brundle, Mercedes` interest in signing Max Verstappen from Red Bull is significantly driven by the potential to inflict a severe blow on their primary Formula 1 competitor, potentially leaving them in a “pretty dire” state.
Speculation about Verstappen`s future intensified recently. Mercedes driver George Russell indicated to Sky Sports F1 at the Austrian Grand Prix that his own contract renewal was being delayed because of the team`s focus on securing Verstappen. Following this, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed he was in “conversations” with Verstappen`s representatives.
Further reports from Sky in Italy emerged on Wednesday, suggesting Verstappen is open to the idea of switching teams and that discussions are accelerating ahead of this weekend`s British Grand Prix.
Martin Brundle weighed in on the situation, stating, “What do we know that`s factual? George Russell has not been announced for next year, and that`s highly unusual because he`s doing a brilliant job for Mercedes.”
He continued, “He`s a long-standing Mercedes driver and he`s picked up the mantle beautifully after Lewis Hamilton`s exit. So, for him to be hanging there still without clarity as we head into the halfway point of the season is unusual.”
Brundle added, “And nobody is absolutely, categorically denying that Max Verstappen is talking to Mercedes – that`s Mercedes or team Verstappen, so something`s up.”
Verstappen`s current contract ties him to Red Bull until the close of the 2028 season. However, it is understood that his contract includes a performance clause allowing him to leave if he is not among the top four drivers in the championship standings by the summer break.
While winning a fifth consecutive drivers` title appears challenging this year, partly due to McLaren`s strong form in 2025, Verstappen currently holds third place, maintaining a 36-point advantage over Charles Leclerc in fifth with three races remaining before the mid-season break.
Brundle also commented on the contractual aspect, saying, “You have a thing called the Contract Recognition Board in F1 where everybody`s contract is lodged centrally in Switzerland, and any disputes are handled like that.”
However, he questioned the feasibility of retaining a driver against their will: “But can you keep an unhappy driver in the seat?”
Highlighting the strategic advantage for Mercedes, Brundle explained, “From Mercedes` point of view, it would not only give them the fastest driver on the grid right now, it also takes him away from Red Bull.”
“And if you took Verstappen out of Red Bull`s results in recent seasons, that would look pretty dire,” he concluded, emphasizing Verstappen`s crucial role in Red Bull`s success.
The Antonelli-Verstappen Pairing Question
Should Mercedes successfully recruit Verstappen, they would face the decision of which current driver, George Russell or Kimi Antonelli, would partner him. Both drivers have progressed through Mercedes` young driver academy.
The 18-year-old Antonelli was promoted directly into a coveted F1 seat this season following Lewis Hamilton`s departure for Ferrari.
Brundle speculated on Mercedes` potential considerations: “I think Mercedes and Toto, in particular, are so invested in Kimi Antonelli as the future star, and I know that George has been making contact with other teams.”
He posed the question regarding Antonelli`s future: “Would they want to risk putting Antonelli, their future star, up against Max Verstappen? Max has broken a lot of team-mates because of speed.”
Adding to the complexity, Brundle asked, “Would they want to lose George Russell? One of their own, who they manage.”
He also noted the potential complexities associated with Verstappen: “And Max comes with a little bit of baggage – it`s not the easiest group to handle. And he`s broken his team-mates.”
Brundle concluded by acknowledging the situation`s uncertainty but the logical rationale for pursuing Verstappen: “We`ll have to wait and see exactly how that plays out. But I can see why… if you`re running a Formula 1 team and Verstappen is in the marketplace, you`ve got to consider hiring him.”
