George Russell has been ‘hung out to dry’ by Mercedes as the team reportedly continue their push to sign Max Verstappen for the 2026 Formula 1 season, according to Martin Brundle.
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has made no secret of his desire to bring Verstappen to Brackley from rivals Red Bull, having watched the four-time world champion dominate the sport since Lewis Hamilton’s title triumph in 2020.
Ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Brundle – the former F1 racer who has enjoyed a 30-year career behind the commentary microphone and now with Sky Sports F1 – thinks Russell has been unfairly treated by his team in the wake of their public pursuit of Verstappen.
“No, I don’t think he is,” Brundle said on Sky Sports F1 when asked if he felt Russell was being treated fairly. “I think that he’s been hung out to dry a little bit.
“He’s doing a brilliant job of leading the Mercedes team. He’s picked up the mantle from Lewis Hamilton very well. It must be super uncomfortable for him and a bit embarrassing that he’s sitting there waiting, unless stuff’s going on behind the scenes. But if it is, why are they not saying so?
Verstappen, 27, has stayed tight-lipped on his reported discussions with Wolff, but the Dutchman’s dissatisfaction with Red Bull’s decline on the track has been publicly clear.
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Mercedes are hoping to get the jump on their rivals when the new engine regulations come in and convince Verstappen he can win more titles with them.
Russell future uncertain as Brundle explains Verstappen exit wish
Russell’s future looks to be increasingly uncertain with the Silver Arrows beyond this season and the British driver has already held talks with other teams on the grid to explore his options. That is despite the fact he is enjoying his best start to an F1 season, with one victory and five podiums.
Brundle admitted he understands the appeal of hiring Verstappen given his pedigree as a multiple world champion, but advised Wolff not to make a decision too early.
“Of course, Max Verstappen – I think everybody accepts he’s the fastest one on the grid – comes with certain challenges as well. But it’s a very difficult situation,” he added. “But that’s the crucible of Formula 1. That there is the shark pool out there and, you know what, if you’re a team principal, don’t make a decision ’til you really have to.”
Brundle has theorised that Red Bull’s move to supply their own engines from 2026 has been a factor in the decision: “And in fact, we’re going to ask Christian [Horner] after FP1, ‘Is there any way that Max can actually get out of his Red Bull contract?’
“What it’ll be, if ever you needed a crystal ball and we tried to get them when we were drivers, if ever it’s going to be more opaque, it’s now. Because next season, new chassis, new engine, Red Bull are debutantes making their own engines.
“That’s a big, tall order. And I’m sure Max has got some nervousness.”
