Mercedes is yet to name its 2026 F1 drivers. With interest from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Luke Smith argues he should join George Russell

George Russell has stepped up as Mercedes’ leading driver since Lewis Hamilton’s departure, but his future remains up in the air with Toto Wolff still chasing Max Verstappen. Russell took charge of the team this year following Hamilton’s move to Ferrari.

A switch to Mercedes for Max Verstappen alongside George Russell has been given the green light by F1 champion Jenson Button. Following the Austrian Grand Prix, where both Russell and Toto Wolff confirmed that Mercedes had approached Verstappen, speculation has been rife about the four-time world champion’s future.