Mercedes faces “complications” when signing Max Verstappen, Will Buxton argued.
The former Formula One presenter believes Mercedes has a “difficult” major “confusion” if he can successfully chase Verstappen from rival Red Bull, as he will need to offload either George Russell or Kimi Antonelli.
The question lies in how Verstappen’s future teammates will deal with him. Many of his previous teammates, recently Tsunoda and Sergio Perez, have not been able to match him with an equal machine.
Russell has finished his contract next season and has not yet been given an extension. This only adds fuel to speculation that he could make a way in the event that Mercedes seduced Verstappen.
Mercedes Toto Wolf has confirmed consultations with Verstappen and is open to combining the Dutchman with Russell, a scenario that could leave a highly rated Silver Arrow Proteggiantonelli without a drive following his rookie F1 season.
Buxton went to social media to ponder the Cornram Mercedes face when it came to the 2026 driver lineup.
What does Mercedes do?
Kimi Antoneri and George Russell
“The Mercedes-to-Mercedes chat has always fascinated me and confused me. I have no doubt that he is the best driver in Formula 1, but I am confused by Space Mercedes,” Buxton writes.
“They invested heavily in George’s career and preparing for a shot in a title that 2026 can represent. He’s probably his best year in Formula 1. Still, Antonelli is an anointed heir, chosen by hand and personally led him to become the long-term future of the team.
“Max’s play means sacrificeing investments in the present or future. But beyond that, it adds extra complexity to what happens to Verstappen’s teammates.
“Do you risk dropping George and your carefully curated development going off track by Max’s unforgiving glow?
“There is no doubt that every team on the grid will do anything to secure a Max. But Mercedes has always been practical, and it always seemed long-term.
“Of course, there is always a chance that no one will drop, and all of this talk is political in the broader context of contract negotiations that extend beyond Mercedes.
“There is always a chance that Mercedes will make very difficult decisions. An attractive time.”
Sky Italy’s bomb report claims Verstappen is open to leaving Red Bull to join Mercedes, with talks being tightened ahead of the UK’s Grand Prix this weekend.
This topic could dominate the agenda during Thursday’s Media Day at Silverstone’s Formula One Paddock.