Mercedes may encounter significant challenges if they attempt to sign Max Verstappen, according to former Formula One presenter Will Buxton. Buxton highlighted a major dilemma for the team, as bringing Verstappen in would likely require them to let go of either George Russell or Kimi Antonelli. The key concern revolves around how Verstappen’s potential teammates would respond, given that previous teammates like Tsunoda and Sergio Perez have struggled to match his pace even with competitive cars.
Russell’s contract is set to expire after next season, with no extension announced yet, fueling speculation that he might be the one to make way if Mercedes secures Verstappen. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has confirmed discussions with Verstappen and is open to pairing him with Russell, a move that could put Antonelli, who impressed in his rookie year, at risk of losing his seat.
Buxton took to social media to express his thoughts on the tough decisions Mercedes faces regarding their 2026 driver lineup. He noted the confusion within Mercedes about their direction, given their considerable investment in developing Russell, who is hitting a peak in his career, alongside Antonelli, who was handpicked as the team’s future star.
Bringing Verstappen on board would force Mercedes to sacrifice either their current investments or future potential, especially given Verstappen’s dominant presence. Buxton pointed out the hard choice Mercedes must make: whether to drop Russell and risk derailing his carefully nurtured development or risk destabilizing the team balance. While every team desires a driver of Verstappen’s caliber, Mercedes is known for a pragmatic, long-term approach.
There remains a possibility that no driver changes will occur, and the speculation may simply be contract negotiation tactics. However, Buxton acknowledged that Mercedes could be facing some very tough decisions, marking an intriguing and challenging period for the team.
An explosive report from Sky Italy suggests Verstappen may be willing to leave Red Bull for Mercedes, with talks intensifying ahead of the UK Grand Prix. This storyline is expected to dominate conversations during the Media Day at Silverstone’s Formula One paddock.
—
Fan Take: This potential shake-up is huge news for racing fans because it could reshape the competitive landscape of Formula One by putting one of the sport’s best drivers into a powerhouse team like Mercedes. The move would not only force difficult decisions regarding team dynamics but could also ignite thrilling new rivalries and elevate the sport’s excitement in the coming seasons.
