Max Verstappen and George Russell are currently two of the most talked-about drivers in Formula 1, especially with ongoing discussions surrounding their futures at leading teams. Verstappen, despite being under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, has sparked speculation about his long-term commitment to the team. Meanwhile, Russell has yet to finalize a contract extension with Mercedes for the upcoming seasons. However, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has dismissed the possibility of Russell joining Red Bull alongside Verstappen in the near future.
Red Bull has struggled to find a consistent and competitive second driver since 2019, with no teammate coming close to matching Verstappen’s pace. This season’s secondary drivers, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, have been unable to challenge Verstappen’s supremacy, and while Tsunoda is expected to finish the year at Red Bull, his contract status beyond this season remains unclear. Rumors had suggested that Red Bull was interested in Russell potentially making a switch in 2026, pairing him with Verstappen at Milton Keynes. Nevertheless, Montoya highlighted that the relationship between Verstappen and Russell is far from amicable, making such a partnership unlikely.
Opportunity and Obstacles for Russell’s Move to Red Bull
Juan Pablo Montoya described Russell as one of the most sought-after drivers currently without a confirmed contract after this season. This circumstance could provide Red Bull the chance to secure Russell, particularly as a precaution should Verstappen decide to leave. Montoya explained that, economically and strategically, Red Bull could pursue Russell with a lucrative offer to cover their bases.
“Max technically has a contract, but George is the most wanted driver in the field who currently doesn’t have a contract. So if you look at it that way, Red Bull could come in with a lot of money to cover themselves in case Max leaves. Would he go to Red Bull to work with Max? I would say: absolutely not.” —Juan Pablo Montoya, Former F1 Driver
Despite the financial incentive, Montoya is convinced that Russell would refuse to partner with Verstappen at Red Bull due to their tense history. The two drivers have clashed several times within the paddock, reducing the appeal of any joint drive for either party.
George Russell’s Career Challenges and Ambitions
George Russell’s journey in Formula 1 has been marked by challenges and frustrations. Debuting in 2019 with Williams, he arrived at the same time as fellow rookie Lando Norris. While Russell demonstrated his talent early on, his time with Williams, a team struggling at the back of the grid, hampered his ability to compete for top results. His eventual move to Mercedes in 2022 offered better machinery but came when the team was no longer a dominant force, limiting his chances for a world title.
“George has actually been in a bad mood ever since he entered Formula 1. He joined a team that was used to winning, but just at a time when it wasn’t happening anymore. That was tough for him, but he has developed well and has done a good job so far.” —Juan Pablo Montoya, Former F1 Driver
Montoya emphasized that Russell’s unhappiness stems from joining a formerly successful team during a downturn. Despite this, Russell has grown as a driver and continues to exhibit strong performances, fueling his ambition to compete for a world championship rather than settling for occasional race wins.
Implications for Red Bull and Mercedes
Russell’s desire to fight for the championship might make him consider future moves, potentially allowing Red Bull to pursue him if Verstappen’s situation changes. However, there is no current indication that Russell is seeking a move away from Mercedes. The British driver appears committed to fighting for his spot within the Silver Arrows, despite the challenges faced so far.
For Red Bull, maintaining Verstappen while finding a suitable teammate remains a priority given the ongoing issues with second drivers. The rumor mill surrounding Max Verstappen and George Russell Red Bull rumors thus seems more speculative than substantial, especially after Montoya’s recent statements.
Future Prospects and What to Expect
As the F1 season progresses, the futures of both Verstappen and Russell will remain under scrutiny, with teams watching closely for contract updates and potential moves. Verstappen’s contract security until 2028 offers Red Bull some stability, but the ongoing uncertainty around Russell’s status with Mercedes creates intrigue in the market. Montoya’s comments suggest that despite the speculation, a Verstappen-Russell partnership at Red Bull is unlikely, preserving the current team dynamics for the foreseeable future.
Fans and analysts will be monitoring these developments carefully, as any shift in driver lineups between such high-profile teams could significantly impact the championship battle and the broader landscape of Formula 1 racing.