Mercedes have now identified a critical ‘risk’ in signing Max Verstappen as George Russell’s replacement

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Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 future has been a topic of discussion for years, but suggestions he could leave Red Bull Racing are once again gaining pace.

F1 Oversteer understands Red Bull are very worried about Verstappen leaving at the end of this season, with two potential destinations in mind.

Aston Martin have shown an interest in the Dutchman, but Max Verstappen’s most likely destination appears to be elsewhere in the paddock.

Red Bull rivals Mercedes are yet to determine their driver line-up for next season, with both George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli out of contract at the end of the year.

Toto Wolff has reportedly decided which Mercedes driver he would drop to accommodate Verstappen, although at this stage, negotiations aren’t at an advanced stage.

There are so many positives to signing a four-time world champion like Verstappen going forward.

However, Mercedes have identified one crucial ‘risk’ that they will have to weigh up if they’re going to get a deal over the line.

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Mercedes sense signing Max Verstappen would ‘risk’ the future of their young driver program

A report from the Italian version of Motorsport has shared more details about Mercedes’ interest in the 27-year-old.

They believe that signing Verstappen would signal the ‘immediate exit of Russell’ after being associated with the team for more than nine years.

It’s suggested Russell would cut all ties with the team, and the ‘risk’ is that it could ‘raze Wolff’s ‘junior’ project to the ground’ by deciding to release their most successful graduate.

Motorsport believe that another potential ‘downside’ of signing Verstappen is he’s likely to be less accommodating than Russell should Mercedes not be the leading force on the grid next season.

Verstappen would be taking a massive risk by making the switch and will surely only do so if he’s confident that Mercedes will have the best car in 2026 and beyond.

It’s been suggested that Verstappen is unconvinced that Mercedes will have the best power unit next year, which is expected to be a critical component in deciding the pecking order on the grid.

There are plenty of question marks surrounding both teams right now, and very little time for Wolff and Verstappen to work out the best next steps.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius weighs in on Max Verstappen rumours

Ola Kallenius is the chairman and CEO of Mercedes-Benz, and while he doesn’t have a huge say in what goes on at the track, his opinion is extremely valuable.

Speaking to Sky Germany over the Austrian Grand Prix, he said: “The best drivers want to drive the best cars. Our job is to put together the best possible package, and as for Max, I think he would look good in silver…”.

It’s believed that Verstappen is ‘liked’ within Mercedes’ Stuttgart headquarters, and his popularity and image would create ‘added value’ for the team.

Losing George Russell would be a huge blow, considering how much time and resources have been invested in his development by Mercedes.

Wolff will dream of having a home-grown talent go on to win the drivers’ championship, and Antonelli may potentially be that man.

But Verstappen guarantees short-term success in the right car, and that could end up being the clinching factor.