Jenson Button has one hope for ‘outstanding’ George Russell amid Max Verstappen’s Mercedes talks

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George Russell is facing enormous uncertainty in Formula 1 as he is yet to sign a contract extension with Mercedes.

The Silver Arrows are yet to confirm their driver line-up for 2026, with Russell and Kimi Antonelli out of contract this year. The Brit confirmed at the Austrian Grand Prix that Mercedes were in talks with Max Verstappen over a potential deal.

The four-time champion has been linked with a move away from Red Bull for the past 18 months. Verstappen can activate an exit clause in his contract, which runs until 2028, and allow him to leave the Milton Keynes outfit.

Verstappen contacted Toto Wolff to discuss the future, with the Austrian keeping tabs on his situation at Red Bull. The Dutchman was taken out of the Austrian GP by Antonelli, while Russell came home P5.

Verstappen has ‘said yes’ to Mercedes, according to reports, leaving the Silver Arrows needing to decide who to drop. Wolff would prefer Antonelli as Verstappen’s teammate, which puts Russell in an ‘unbelievably difficult’ situation, says Jenson Button.

Jenson Button hopes George Russell stays at Mercedes amid Max Verstappen talks

Since joining Mercedes in 2022, Russell has been gradually proving himself as a top talent in F1. He beat seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton as teammates in 2022 and 2024, and is now flourishing as team leader after the 40-year-old left for Ferrari.

Sitting fourth in the standings with a win to his name in Canada, 2009 champion Button says it would be a ‘real shame’ to see Russell leave Mercedes. Speaking to Sky Sports, he hopes the ‘British hero’ will stay in Brackley.

“Unbelievably difficult for him, because George is one of the best drivers on the grid,” he said,

“He has been faultless over the last couple of years and his pace compared to Lewis Hamilton when they were teammates, outstanding.

“I know how difficult it is to go up against Lewis and Lewis in his prime. So, George is one of the best drivers and it’d be a real shame to see him leaving a team like Mercedes.

“But I’m staying positive and I hope that our British hero is still going to be there next year.”

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Where could George Russell go if he leaves Mercedes?

Ted Kravitz says Russell is ‘going to get’ a contract at Mercedes, with Verstappen not expected to leave Red Bull until 2027. But there is every chance that the F1 driver market could throw up another stir.

Martin Brundle says it’s ‘highly unusual’ Mercedes haven’t signed Russell already for 2026. Given his current form, it is no surprise that the Brit has other options.

Aston Martin are interested in signing the 27-year-old, as the Silverstone outfit look to build for the future with Adrian Newey and Honda. But the team are also tracking Verstappen, and Johnny Herbert thinks Aston Martin are ‘playing a game’ with Russell to get who they really want.

Timo Glock has put Russell forward for Cadillac, with the American brand offering two extra seats on the grid in 2026 when they join as the 11th team. The Brit will certainly get a nice financial incentive for joining the team, as Cadillac are ‘paying a premium’ to attract rival staff.