CLEMENT MANYATHELA: Max moving to Mercedes? A middle finger to George Russell and a big gamble for Mercedes

There are credible reports that he is in advanced talks with Toto Wolff to join Mercedes next season. This would be a blockbuster move on F1.

Remember Kimi Antonelli, who has been brilliant since replacing Lewis Hamilton. He and George Russell have no contract confirmed for next year. So Mercedes is clearly window shopping here. 

I know Max Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, but my understanding is that his contract includes a release clause allowing him to leave at the end of a season if he finishes outside the top four in the Drivers' Championship. I believe he is currently third, following the Austrian Grand Prix. 

My concern here is George Russell because I believe he is more likely to be sacrificed if Verstappen switches to Mercedes. Since he has not been announced for next year, which is highly unusual, considering he's doing a brilliant job for Mercedes. He is currently 4th in the drivers' championship. 

He's a long-standing Mercedes driver, and he's picked up the mantle beautifully after Lewis Hamilton's exit. So, for him to be hanging there still without clarity as we head into the halfway point of the season is unusual.

What do you think of Max's potential move to Mercedes? Is it a big gamble? Too risky?

I think what is likely influencing him is the major regulation changes set for next season, when new power units will be introduced. Because it’s believed that Mercedes is the frontrunner in this respect, while Red Bull will be manufacturing their own power units for the first time.

So, who is gonna have a faster car after the regulation changes? 

What do you think of this potential move?

I hope Mercedes knows what it’s getting itself into here, because Max comes with a little bit of baggage - he's not the easiest person to handle. And he's broken his teammates.

So good luck to Mercedes. I mean, he is a great driver. But he does come with some baggage.