In a stunning turn of events, Kimi Antonelli faces a sudden exit from Mercedes as predictions emerge regarding Max Verstappen joining George Russell at the team. Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya shared his insights in an interview with AS, where he emphasized that team principal Toto Wolff would seize the opportunity to pair Verstappen with Russell, despite the potential for conflict between the two drivers.
Montoya’s remarks come in light of ongoing discussions about Verstappen’s future with Red Bull, especially amid recent challenges he has faced with his car, the RB21. He noted that if Verstappen were to leave Red Bull, Wolff would not hesitate to make a move for him, indicating that Antonelli, despite his promising start, could be let go to make way for the reigning champion. Montoya believes Russell’s consistency and championship experience would be enough to keep him securely in the team.
George Russell’s performance has been notably strong, as he collected three podium finishes in five races during the 2025 season. This remarkable consistency positions him as a valuable asset for Mercedes. In contrast, Kimi Antonelli, a rookie driver, has also shown flashes of brilliance that no team can overlook. However, the speculation surrounding Verstappen’s aspirations for a fifth consecutive title complicates the dynamics within the team.
Verstappen is battling significant issues with his Red Bull car, ranging from braking difficulties to balance problems. These hurdles have raised doubts about his ability to remain competitive, which could jeopardize his future with the team. Currently tied to Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen has performance clauses in his contract that grant him an exit option if he cannot perform at the championship level or remain within the top three standings.
When addressing rumors of Verstappen’s potential signing with Mercedes, George Russell expressed confidence in his place within the team, stating he is not worried about the possibility. He believes that he is performing on par with all drivers on the grid, reinforcing his commitment to Mercedes amid the swirling speculation.
While discussions continue about the prospects of Verstappen joining Russell at Mercedes, the likelihood of such a pairing remains uncertain. Both drivers are at the peak of their careers, with a championship-winning mentality. However, this partnership could also lead to instability within the team, complicating the dynamics and creating potential conflicts.
