Ralf Schumacher, a former Formula 1 driver who now works as a pundit with Sky Deutschland, suggested that if Max Verstappen accepts Toto Wolff’s offer and ever moves to Mercedes, George Russell will be in a difficult position.
Few doubt that Mercedes is willing to invite Verstappen, and the only question is whether the driver himself, who is formally bound by long-term contractual obligations with Red Bull, wants to do so.
At the same time, Toto Wolff and the management of Mercedes are betting on Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is not yet 18 years old, but last week it became known about changes that the FIA has made to the rules for obtaining a super license. In theory, the talented In theory, the Italian could make his debut in Formula 1 this season with Williams, replacing Logan Sargent.
If Antonelli does well, his chances of becoming George Russell’s new partner will immediately increase. Ralph thought about what the further development of the situation could be:
“If Max Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull, I can well imagine that a place will become available for him at Mercedes. After which George Russell could find himself in a rather unpleasant position. He is a very talented racer, but he also makes a lot of mistakes. And if a three-time world champion enters the driver market, that could also mean that Russell is in danger.”
If Verstappen had already driven for Mercedes, he would not have missed the victory in Canada, according to Schumacher: “With Max, the Mercedes team could have won the race in Montreal, that is understandable. Max is the racer whose chances of winning immediately increase.
Mercedes has not won a race for a long time, and to return to the top the team urgently needs a world champion. Moreover, Verstappen is someone with a very conservative, traditional work ethic, pleasant to work with and a real sportsman. Therefore, it is very possible that Toto Wolff and Mercedes can achieve a lot with him and are willing to do a lot for him.”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
