Former F1 champ Mansell advises Verstappen & Russell amid swirling Mercedes rumours

10:53, 12 Jul

Updated: 16:54, 12 Jul

byHidde Korte

The future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing has been the central topic of conversation in recent weeks. With the team undergoing major changes, the Dutchman is expected to closely monitor progress over the coming weeks before making a decision about his next move.

Former world champion Nigel Mansell has weighed in on the situation, offering advice not only to Verstappen but also to George Russell, who could find himself affected depending on how the driver market unfolds.

Rumours of a switch to Mercedes have become more persistent, especially after Verstappen laid out his yacht in Sardinia. Mansell responded to rumours about the potential switch.

"Max is an outstanding World Champion and driver, and I hope he gets to wherever he wants to get to, which will make him happy."

"It´s a good rumour (referring to Verstappen joining Mercedes next season)," the 1992 world champion began on a betting site.

“Well, what I can say to George and Lando and all these drivers. I drove with four world champions. I joined the team when the other men in the car were World Champions - Mario Andretti, Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost and Keke Rosberg.”

He continued: “When you join a team with a World Champion already there, they are not your best friend, and if you start to go quicker than them, don´t expect them to be your best friend."

"You’re the No. 2 driver and they hate being beaten; that’s why they are World Champions.”

George Russell has shown himself to be one of the fastest drivers on the F1 grid multiple times. The Brit scored Mercedes' only victory of the year in Canada and sits fourth in the championship standings.

“So I had the toughest career in some ways, because I was always the underdog, but as I demonstrated, if you work hard enough, you can beat them and make yourself a name.”

Will Verstappen Move to Mercedes?

Although Christian Horner was dismissed by Red Bull Racing last week, Max Verstappen’s future with the team remains far from certain. Recently, Verstappen’s yacht was spotted in Sardinia, fueling further speculation.