In a shocking turn of events in the world of Formula 1, speculations about Max Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes have sparked controversy and divided opinions among experts. The departure of Christian Horner from Red Bull has only fueled these rumors, with Juan Pablo Montoya hinting at a possible shift for the Dutch driver to the Silver Arrows team.
Renowned ex-pilot and former FIA Steward, Johnny Herbert, has weighed in on the debate, labeling the idea of Verstappen replacing George Russell at Mercedes as “unjust.” In an exclusive interview with escapistmagazine.com, Herbert expressed his belief that Russell is the one delivering results for Mercedes and deserves to retain his seat. He emphasized, “Verstappen in Mercedes instead of Russell would be unfair because George is the one bringing home the results.”
Herbert’s defense of Russell’s performance is resolute, highlighting the young driver’s exceptional skills and undeniable potential in the sport. The seasoned journalist commended Russell’s flawless 2025 season and his outstanding performances that have exceeded expectations. Moreover, Herbert stressed the importance of giving young talents like Russell the opportunity to flourish alongside top-tier drivers like Verstappen.
The potential Verstappen-Mercedes partnership has also drawn comparisons to the legendary Hamilton-Rosberg duo, with Herbert suggesting that such a pairing could revolutionize the grid and elevate competition in Formula 1. The prospect of having the strongest driver lineup on the grid has ignited excitement and speculation among fans and experts alike.
While opinions may differ on the matter, one thing remains clear – the landscape of Formula 1 could witness a seismic shift if Verstappen were to join forces with Mercedes. The stakes are high, the drama is palpable, and the future of the sport hangs in the balance as negotiations and discussions unfold behind the scenes.
As the Formula 1 community braces for a potential game-changing move, all eyes are on Verstappen, Mercedes, and the unfolding drama that could reshape the dynamics of the sport for years to come. Stay tuned as the saga continues to unravel, sending shockwaves through the racing world and beyond.
STATISTICS
Max Emilian Verstappen (born 30 September 1997) is a Belgian-Dutch nationality Formula One (F1) World Championship auto racing driver, who has been competing in Formula One as a Dutchman since age 17, and with the Red Bull F1 Racing team since age 18. Verstappen is the current reigning Formula One World Champion, and only the fifth F1 racer in history to win the Formula One World Championship hat-trick – winning three seasons in a row (2021, 2022, and 2023). Verstappen is the son of Dutch former Formula One racing driver Jos Verstappen, and Sophie Kumpen, a Belgian former karting racer. He was successful in junior karting, and then in single-seater racing categories including KF3, WSK World Series, KZ2 and European Formula 3, beating several records. At the 2015 Australian Grand Prix, when he was aged 17 years, 166 days, he became the youngest driver in history, to compete in Formula One auto racing. After driving the 2015 season with Scuderia Toro Rosso (then Red Bull’s second team), Verstappen started his 2016 season with that Italian team, but was promoted to race for parent team Red Bull after four races, replacing Daniil Kvyat. At age 18, he then immediately won his debut race for Red Bull, at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix – becoming both the youngest-ever driver to win a Formula One Grand Prix, as well as the first ever Dutch driver to win an F1 race. After winning the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen became the first Dutch driver to win the Formula One World Championship, and the 34th Formula One World Drivers’ Champion. He won his next two consecutive Formula One championships in 2022 and 2023. As of the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen has achieved 48 victories and 30 pole positions. He scored his first career hat-trick of F1 wins at the 2021 French Grand Prix, and became the world’s first in F1 history to set a record of ten consecutive Grands Prix victories, when he won the 2023 Italian Grand Prix. Verstappen won his first F1 grand slam at the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix, and achieved two further F1 race grand slams, at the 2022 “Imola” (Italy) GP, and the 2023 Spanish race respectively. Verstappen is set to remain at Red Bull until at least the end of the 2028 season after signing a contract extension. He currently wears jersey number 1. Current Season: 8 podium finishes, 3 race wins, 2 pole positions. Championship standings: 2nd place with 285 points. Best lap times: Sector records at 4 circuits. Career wins: 25 victories from 180 starts. Fastest lap awards: 12 career fastest laps. Team performance: Leading constructor’s championship.