Max Verstappen joins Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli shines – George Russell's nightmare scenario
Mercedes star George Russell is flying high on the back of his victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but things could turn ugly all too quickly for the Formula 1 ace
by Tom Sunderland · The MirrorMajor change is on the horizon at Mercedes as George Russell prepares to part ways with Lewis Hamilton in 2025.
After three seasons as understudy to arguably the greatest Formula 1 talent of all time, Russell is set to take over as the Silver Arrows' senior star next season. Hamilton's impending move to Ferrari is set to see Kimi Antonelli take his place at Mercedes, whose prospects appear uncertain as the 18-year-old replaces such a wizened asset.
Assuming the team at Brackley can build a car more capable of competing on a consistent basis, the sky could be the limit for Toto Wolff & Co. However, there may yet be a sequence of events that lead to disaster for Russell in particular next year.
The Briton has already beaten his personal best by racking up two wins this term, but he'll need to do a lot better to get Mercedes in the title picture next season. That would be the dream for Russell, but Mirror Sport breaks down a potential nightmare scenario as he approaches a critical juncture in his F1 career.
No Russell renewal
As things stand, both of Mercedes' 2025 drivers will see their contracts expire at the end of next season. Russell, 26, has yet to pen an extension with the team, while young gun Antonelli jumped at the chance to prove his credentials on a one-year deal.
And it's feasible that after three wins in three seasons, Russell hasn't done enough to convince the powers that be at Brackley. One would think that with Antonelli coming in and Russell now the senior starter, Mercedes would have been keen to tie down the more experienced talent -–and yet that hasn't been the case.
Instead, the Silver Arrows may feel their money is better spent attempting to acquire a more proven asset ahead of 2026. And in that sense, there's one rumoured target who stands out from the crowd.
Verstappen signs
The most obvious wrong turn from Russell's perspective would be if Max Verstappen were to somehow find his way to Mercedes in 2025. It's no secret Wolff is infatuated with the four-time world champion, confirming there were talks over the summer and that Verstappen's chance of signing "wasn't zero."
Verstappen is contracted at Red Bull until 2028 but has hinted at breaking from that deal early, either through early retirement or another move. But after months of speculation linking him to Mercedes, the Dutchman finally confirmed in the summer that he'd be sticking around for next season at the very least.
"I think I've said this before. I mean, naturally, of course, people are talking," said Verstappen in June. "But it's most important just that we have a very competitive car for the future.
"At the moment, of course, it's very tight, but we are working very well as a team to try and improve more. And for sure, I said this already with the team, we are working and focusing also on next year to try and be competitive again."
A lot can change in one year, however, and the stars may yet align for Verstappen to complete a money-spinning switch towards the end of 2025. Russell's contract situation could open the door to such a transition, with Wolff desperately searching to put his team back on top.
Antonelli outshines Russell
From Russell's point of view, it's obviously preferable if he isn't outshone by a first-year F1 debutant. Antonelli will be by far the cheaper investment, while the fact he's eight years younger than his soon-to-be team-mate would also work against Russell in any weighing-up scenario.
If the pair's points total is in any way comparable come this time next year, one would imagine Russell seat is in jeopardy. After all, Mercedes will see little reason to keep paying top dollar for an underperforming asset when there are kids out there proving they can do just as well (or better, Antonelli hopes).
And up-and-down 2024 season in Formula 2 may give Russell some hope Antonelli is far from the finished product just yet. But a blistering start for the Italian will only worsen his colleague's bartering position in what's a sensitive time for negotiations.
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