George Russell sorts exit plan as Max Verstappen targets Mercedes seat

Indirect digs, direct addressals, and clear criticism of one’s competitive style, the tension between Max Verstappen and George Russell is not the kind that remains under covers. The tussle is one of the most significant aspects of the current F1 setting. The Mercedes ace recently edged past the Red Bull starboy to claim the Canadian Grand Prix title. However, tensions between the two had amplified after a clash at Turn 1 of the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this season. Verstappen endured a 10-second penalty and even feared suspension ahead of the Canadian GP. The drama, however, is fated to amplify in the coming days as Mercedes look to onboard Max Verstappen to the team.

As Verstappen link strengthens, Russell eyes way out of Mercedes

The team principal at Mercedes, Toto Wolff, confirmed that they are looking to bag Max Verstappen. The four-time Drivers' Championship title-holder is looking to free himself from his Red Bull contract. While Red Bull struggles in the ongoing season, Verstappen's ambitions are not ready to compromise on his championship victory plans. With Verstappen pushing to cut short the contract with Red Bull, which binds him to the team until 2028, Mercedes is eyeing a strengthened spot in the standings with the top driver in tow.

Max Verstappen reportedly holds a clause in his current contract that permits him to part ways with Red Bull at the end of the season. The clause reads that if Verstappen finds himself outside the top four in the Drivers' Championship standings at the start of the F1 summer break, he can break free. That break begins after the Hungarian Grand Prix, scheduled for August 3. With just three races remaining before the break, Verstappen sits third overall. The Red Bull driver is holding a narrow nine-point lead over George Russell and a 36-point advantage over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Across the three races left, a total of 83 points are up for grabs, as the Belgian Grand Prix will include a Sprint weekend.

However, where does this settlement leave George Russell? The Briton is reportedly already contacting other teams in search of a new seat. Russell, who replaced Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes back in 2022, had talked about his contract renewal update during the recently concluded Austrian GP. The 27-year-old denied receiving any formal contract renewal offer from Mercedes beyond the 2025 season. In contrast to those claims, a new report suggests that Russell was presented with a 1+1 year deal by Mercedes. However, amid the team’s ongoing developments with Verstappen, Russell is said to have rejected the proposal.

Meanwhile, Mercedes faces its own uncertainty heading into 2025. Neither George Russell nor his young Italian teammate Kimi Antonelli has a confirmed seat for next season. However, the general consensus within the paddock is that if Verstappen were to join the Silver Arrows, it would likely be Russell who’d make way. Should Mercedes opt to release the 27-year-old Brit, reports suggest that Red Bull and Aston Martin are emerging as the frontrunners to offer Russell a seat for next year.