During Thursday’s media day at the Belgian Grand Prix, George Russell addressed several hot topics surrounding the Formula 1 paddock, most notably the swirling speculation involving Max Verstappen and Red Bull. With team principal Christian Horner’s controversial exit still making headlines, the focus inevitably shifted to Verstappen’s future within the team. Russell was asked about the possibility of Verstappen switching to Mercedes — a question he found rather surprising and speculative.
Russell expressed disbelief at the notion that Verstappen might be planning a move to Mercedes in response to Red Bull’s internal upheaval. He dismissed the idea as a “conspiracy theory,” indicating that he saw no credible evidence supporting such rumors. While acknowledging the turbulence Red Bull is facing, he emphasized that Verstappen remains strongly tied to the team where he’s achieved immense success.
As questions continued about Mercedes’ own driver lineup for the coming seasons, Russell remained focused on his current role. He affirmed that he is committed to helping the team return to its winning ways and seemed unfazed by gossip linking other drivers to his seat. Russell also reiterated that speculation is part of the sport, especially during high-profile shifts like Horner’s departure, but added that not every rumor has substance.
The British driver was also asked to reflect on how Verstappen might be handling the current chaos at Red Bull. Russell noted that Verstappen is a professional and extremely focused on performance, regardless of team politics. He suggested that while the environment around Verstappen may be unstable, the Dutchman’s own mindset is likely still geared toward winning.
In closing, Russell downplayed the idea of major driver moves in the short term, implying that media chatter often exaggerates behind-the-scenes issues. While the Formula 1 world waits to see the full impact of Horner’s departure, Russell made it clear he isn’t buying into unverified theories — particularly those involving Verstappen jumping ship to Mercedes.
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