Toto Wolff confirms Mercedes are trying to sign Max Verstappen from Red Bull; George Russell said Mercedes pursuit of Verstappen is delaying his contract talks; watch final practice for the Austrian GP from 11.30am on Saturday with qualifying at 3pm, live on Sky Sports F1
  • milk@discuss.tchncs.de
    0·
    1 day ago

    I wonder which one they’re eying?

    Replacing Russel seems like a mistake considering that would mean they have no drivers with Mercedes experience around and considering his recent form

    • Vinny_93@lemmy.world
      0·
      1 day ago

      They’re just gonna add one more car.

      For real though, Toto is not letting go of Antonelli and he just cannot ignore the form George is on. Talks are nice and everything, but why pay more for a driver that loses to McLarens anyway but has won titles in a car that was just way better? Russell can win those WDCs as well.

      • Goodeye8@piefed.socialEnglish
        0·
        23 hours ago

        Toto will 100% kick Russell if he can get Verstappen. If you can pick up one of the best drivers in F1 history, you pick them up.

        why pay more for a driver that loses to McLarens anyway but has won titles in a car that was just way better

        First of all 2026 is brand new regulations which means McLaren might not be as dominant next year as they are this year. And secondly they currently have a driver who can’t even fight the McLarens and they would be buying the driver who at least can put up a fight with a weaker car.

        Russell can win those WDCs as well.

        If Russell stays at Merc he’s going to get a year or two (depending on how long it takes for Kimi to get comfortable) to go for the WDC (if Merc nail the regulations and get a car as dominant as the current McLaren). Because when Kimi is Ready Russell will become the Lando Norris of Merc, good enough to help win the WCC but not good enough to win the WDC.