I’d Love to See Verstappen & Russell Team Up at Mercedes: Button
In a recent interview, former Formula 1 champion Jenson Button expressed his desire to see Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen pair up with George Russell at Mercedes. The idea of Verstappen making a move to the Silver Arrows might seem far-fetched, but Button believes that it would be an exciting development for the sport.
Verstappen has been a revelation since joining Red Bull in 2016, with a string of impressive performances and a World Drivers’ Championship title in 2021. He has become synonymous with the team, and many fans believe that he would be hard to replace. However, Button thinks that the prospect of Verstappen joining Mercedes and working alongside Russell would be a thrilling one.
In an interview with Formula1.com, Button said, “I’d love to see Verstappen and Russell team up at Mercedes. That would be a great combination.” He acknowledged that it would be a challenging move for Verstappen, who is currently enjoying success with Red Bull. “If Verstappen goes to Mercedes, it’s a different thing altogether…The car isn’t going to be designed around him,” Button noted.
Indeed, Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull would require a significant adjustment period. Red Bull’s cars are tailored to their drivers, and Verstappen has developed a strong partnership with the team. Mercedes, on the other hand, has a distinct design philosophy and would require Verstappen to adapt to a new driving style.
Button’s suggestion is not entirely far-fetched, as Verstappen has previously hinted at his willingness to explore other options. In an interview with the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Verstappen stated that he would consider a move to Mercedes if the opportunity arose. “I’m not a fan of rumors, but if it’s true that Mercedes wants me, I’d definitely consider it,” he said.
Russell, who is currently driving for Williams, has been touted as a potential Mercedes driver for the future. He has impressed with his performances this season, and many believe that he has the potential to become a top-tier driver. Pairing him with Verstappen would create a formidable partnership, with the Dutch driver’s pace and experience complemented by Russell’s youthful energy and skill.
The prospect of Verstappen and Russell teaming up at Mercedes raises an intriguing question: what would happen to Lewis Hamilton, who has been the face of the team for many years? Hamilton has been a dominant force in F1, winning seven World Drivers’ Championships and numerous races. However, his future at Mercedes is uncertain, and a move for Verstappen could potentially pave the way for a new era at the team.
Button’s suggestion also highlights the complexity of F1 transfers. Drivers often have strong bonds with their teams, and a move can be a significant career risk. Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull would require a significant adjustment period, and it’s unclear whether he would be willing to take that risk.
In conclusion, while Button’s suggestion of pairing Verstappen with Russell at Mercedes is an intriguing one, it’s far from a certainty. Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull and the team’s commitment to him make it unlikely that he would make a move. However, if the opportunity arose, it would be an exciting development for the sport. The prospect of Verstappen and Russell teaming up would create a thrilling partnership, with two of the most talented drivers in the paddock working together to push the boundaries of F1.
