GEORGE RUSSELL will be ringing rival F1 teams looking for a job in fear Max Verstappen is set to replace him at Mercedes, according to Martin Brundle.
With tensions already high between the two drivers, Russell would have hoped Verstappen’s name was the last he’d have to worry about when it comes to his seat.
But with huge speculation over Verstappen’s future at Red Bull, Mercedes have emerged as the front runner to sign up the four-time world champion.
And with Kimi Antonelli only replacing Lewis Hamilton last year, Russell is seen as the more likely to lose his place at the Silver Arrows.
Grid-walker Brundle told Sky F1 that he believes the British driver will be calling around other teams to make sure he has a place on the grid next season.
He said: “I think George Russell is nervous and ringing around a little bit.
“2026 is massive, biggest change ever in F1 for the chassis and power unit and you guess Mercedes will be there or thereabouts.
“Would you put Red Bull [there] and can Max actually get out of his contract? Something’s up.”
The rumours began with Verstappen and Mercedes last year, and they have resurfaced again after his performance-based release clause was revealed.
It’s understood that if the 27-year-old isn’t in the top three of the Drivers’ Championship at the summer break, the clause can be triggered.
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Verstappen currently IS third in the standings, but ironically, just nine points ahead of Russell who could leap ahead of him if he enjoys a successful British Grand Prix this weekend.
More speculation about Verstappen’s future arose during last weekend’s race in Austria.
The Dutchman crashed out of the Grand Prix on the first lap after being shunted by the Mercedes of Antonelli.
But the normally hot-headed driver was remarkably calm.
Verstappen said: “Every driver has made a mistake like that.
“No one does that on purpose, so for me, that is not a big deal.”
Many fans were left shocked by his cool reaction, with ex-Williams and McLaren cult hero Juan Pablo Montoya even suggesting they were “already team-mates”.
He said: “If you wanted to read into things, why was Max so nice to Kimi after their collision? Are they already teammates?”
Were Russell to leave Mercedes, Aston Martin has been tipped as a possible destination.
