Russell expressed his thoughts on the challenges and aspirations of joining Mercedes, a team that has been dominated by Hamilton’s impressive track record.
As speculation about his future grows, Red Bull Racing star Max Verstappen openly stated that he has no interest in leaving his current team to explore opportunities with Formula 1 rival teams.
This revelation comes amidst rumors sparked by Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, who has shown interest in Verstappen as a potential successor to Lewis Hamilton.
Furthermore, Mercedes driver George Russell also showed enthusiasm about the possibility of Verstappen joining the team, stating: “I would fully support that.”
Russell shared his thoughts on the challenges and aspirations of joining Mercedes, a team that has been dominated by Hamilton’s remarkable track record.
“I believe that joining Mercedes in 2022 is a result of Lewis’s legendary years and victories, and it’s a significant challenge for anyone to enter a team where he has been [dominant] for so long.
“I have confidence in myself, and it’s necessary to compete against the best with the same equipment and show what you are capable of,” he explained.
Despite Mercedes’ interest, Verstappen, who is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, emphasized his satisfaction with his current team during an interview with Sky F1.
“Well, at the end of the day, this kind of decision is not taken lightly, and I am very happy where I am,” he stated.
Verstappen emphasized his priority to stay in the fastest car possible, a requirement that is currently fulfilled by Red Bull.
He did not express any desire to start a new project elsewhere, questioning the logic behind leaving a successful structure.
“I don’t necessarily have the desire to establish something new or anything like that.
“Because why would you want to leave when you are already in the best position and believe you can maintain it for a long time?” he commented.
Verstappen has consistently expressed his views on his future in the sport, emphasizing that financial incentives alone are not enough to influence his decision, a sentiment he reiterated before the Miami Grand Prix.
“My future is currently with Red Bull,” confirmed Verstappen, dismissing the idea that even an offer of €250 million would change his loyalty to Red Bull.
He emphasized that his main motivation is performance, not financial gain.
“Even €250 million [£214 million] is not enough because I am satisfied with what I am earning, and it’s about performance.
“Because I know that if I were driving for P5 or P6, I would be quite unhappy, so it always comes down to performance – everyone knows that. Toto also knows that.”
