I’d Love to See Verstappen & Russell Team Up at Mercedes: Button
The Formula 1 world is always buzzing with news and speculation about potential driver lineups at different teams. In a recent interview, former F1 champion Jenson Button shared his thoughts on a hypothetical scenario where Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen joins Mercedes alongside George Russell. While acknowledging that it would be a challenging move for Verstappen, Button expressed his love for the idea of seeing the two talented drivers team up at the Silver Arrows.
Verstappen has been a force to be reckoned with in his current role at Red Bull Racing, securing multiple podiums and wins in recent seasons. His partnership with Alex Albon has been fruitful, with the team regularly challenging for victories. However, Button believes that Verstappen’s skills would be wasted if he were to stay at Red Bull, and that a move to Mercedes could be a game-changer for the Dutch driver.
“If Verstappen goes to Mercedes, it’s a different thing altogether,” Button said. “The car isn’t going to be designed around him, and that’s what makes it exciting. He’s a winner, and he’s doing well at Red Bull, but if he goes to Mercedes, he’ll have to adapt to a different car, a different team, and a different way of working.”
Verstappen has been vocal about his loyalty to Red Bull and his desire to win championships with the team. However, the prospect of joining Mercedes, a team with a rich history of success, could be an enticing one. Mercedes has been struggling to find its footing in recent seasons, and the addition of a top-tier driver like Verstappen could be just the boost they need to get back on track.
Russell, on the other hand, has been impressing fans and pundits alike with his performances at Williams. Despite limited resources and a less-than-competitive car, the British driver has consistently shown his ability to adapt and push his machine to the limit. A move to Mercedes would be a significant step up for Russell, and pairing him with Verstappen could create a formidable partnership.
Button believes that the combination of Verstappen’s raw speed and Russell’s technical ability could be a winning formula for Mercedes. “I think George is a fantastic driver, and he’s doing a great job at Williams,” Button said. “If you put him alongside Verstappen, who is an incredible driver, you’ve got a great combination. Verstappen is a winner, and he needs a teammate who can push him and challenge him. George is that guy.”
Of course, any potential move by Verstappen to Mercedes would require significant changes within the Red Bull organization. The team has invested heavily in its current driver lineup, and losing Verstappen would be a significant blow. However, Button believes that the Dutch driver’s desire to win championships would ultimately drive him to make the move.
“I think Verstappen wants to win championships, and if he thinks he can do that at Mercedes, he’ll make the move,” Button said. “He’s a winner, and he’s not going to settle for anything less. If he thinks he can win championships at Mercedes, he’ll go there, and I think that’s what’s going to happen.”
In conclusion, while a move by Verstappen to Mercedes would be a significant shake-up in the F1 world, Button believes that it could be a game-changer for both the driver and the team. Pairing Verstappen with Russell would create a formidable partnership, and the prospect of seeing the two talented drivers work together is an exciting one. Only time will tell if this hypothetical scenario becomes a reality, but for now, it’s an intriguing thought that has fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipating the next move.
