George Russell Makes Shocking Max Verstappen Prediction Amidst 2026 “Lottery” Choice

Max Verstappen and Mercedes—a link that has absurdly gone from rivalry to a potential partnership. Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton has set the Dutchman up for a shock move to partner George Russell for 2025 and beyond. Moreover, Red Bull showing the first signs of weakness in 2024 has only intensified this possibility. Russell, whose position in the Silver Arrows could be massively impacted if this transfer goes through, has weighed in on the matter.

Ahead of the Miami GP earlier this year, Russell was questioned about rumors about Toto Wolff signing Verstappen for 2025. “I’d be all for it,” he confidently responded, adding that he wanted to “go up against the best.” Then, such transfer rumors arose from the instability within Red Bull caused by the Christian Horner scandal. But now that that has settled, the RB20’s no-longer-invincible state is fueling this topic. So If the 3-time champion ends up at Mercedes, it wouldn’t be a shock, at least not to Russell.

“I wouldn’t shy away from jumping alongside Max,” Russell told the Daily Mail. “Nor would I shy away from him jumping in with us. I had the biggest challenge of joining Mercedes against the greatest driver of all time, statistically, in qualifying and in the race. I performed against him and that’s all I can do.” The Briton then thought aloud, making a surprising prediction that would see Verstappen taking a sabbatical in 2026. “Max can take a year off for 2026 and see which the best team is,” Russell remarked, adding, “I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he did that. Remember, 2026 is a lottery. So, you truly don’t know what will transpire.”

While speculations around Verstappen’s Red Bull exit continue to rise, he has re-affirmed that he will remain “loyal” to them. As for Mercedes, irrespective of Toto Wolff continuing to pursue the Dutchman, Russell believes that a new dawn is approaching.

George Russell believes Lewis Hamilton’s exit will ignite a “new spark” for Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 with what was described as a risky move. But 6 championships and 82 race wins later, the same experts laud him for his best decision ever. Now that he is exiting, making George Russell the Brackley outfit’s new lead, the latter only sees the positive.

“It’s a fresh start for the team,” Russell told the Daily Mail, continuing, “So many people here have shared success with Lewis, but change often ignites a new spark for everyone. It does that for Lewis and it sparks that for us here next year. It is good that Lewis is leaving us now, rather in 2021, when it would have been difficult for the whole team.”

Though the 26-year-old could face a nervous ordeal in 2025, having been Mercedes’ ‘number 2’ driver for over 2 years, his time leading Williams could ease the process. And if Verstappen does join him, Toto Wolff would continue to deal with fierce intra-team battles, as he does now.