© Jiri Krenek for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
George Russell says “if any team had a chance to sign Max, they would 100% be taking it”, but he welcomes “any challenge” because he has driven alongside “the greatest driver of all time”.
During the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has been seen talking to Max Verstappen’s father Jos.
This has sent the F1 media into a frenzy of speculation that Max could be on his way to Mercedes in 2025, as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.
When asked to give his thoughts on the possibility of Verstappen becoming his team-mate, George Russell said:
“I think, as I said last week in Bahrain, this is my third season now alongside Lewis, the greatest driver of all time, and I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job alongside him.
“So whoever were to line up alongside me next year or the years to come, I welcome anybody, welcome the challenge.
“You always want to go against the best, but ultimately for me, I’m just focused on myself. I believe in myself. I believe I can beat anybody on the grid.
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“And, you know, you’ve just got to have that mentality. So, as I said, having Lewis as my benchmark for the last couple of years has been a pretty good benchmark for sure.”
Asked what the chances are of Max really going to Mercedes, George said:
“I think any team wants to have the best driver line-up possible. And right now, Max is the best driver on the grid. So if any team had a chance to sign Max, they would 100% be taking it.
“So I think the question is more on the other side, on his side and Red Bull’s side. Obviously so much going on there.
“We don’t know what truly is going on behind closed doors and ultimately it’s none of our business right now.
“Yeah, I guess we’ll be excited,” the Briotn concluded.
