Mercedes simulator driver pinpoints the big problem Max Verstappen could face if he joins from Red Bull

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Max Verstappen is once again being strongly linked with Mercedes at the Austrian Grand Prix. This comes after George Russell himself confirmed that talks were taking place for 2026.

Under contract until the end of 2028, Verstappen has an exit clause in his deal that could become active after this weekend’s race. He must be in the top two in the standings at the end of June to prevent it, and he’s 21 points behind Lando Norris with just one race remaining.

When he appeared in the pre-race press conference on Thursday, Verstappen refused to confirm whether he’d be driving for Red Bull next year. He simply indicated frustration with the question instead.

Russell has been outstanding for Mercedes this year, winning the Canadian GP last time out. But Toto Wolff is ‘desperately’ pursuing Verstappen nonetheless, determined not to lose out again after his near-miss back in 2014.

Anthony Davidson tells Max Verstappen his driving style may not suit Mercedes

Speaking during FP2 in Austria, Sky Sports pundit and Mercedes simulator driver Anthony Davidson warned Verstappen that he wouldn’t automatically have it easy if he made the move.

He may be a four-time world champion and an all-time great, but he’s also been racing for Red Bull for more than nine years. Their car is widely believed to be built around his preferences.

Indeed, former teammates Sergio Perez and Alex Albon have reported that the Red Bull feels ‘unnatural’ to drive, but Verstappen said exactly the opposite on Thursday.

He would have to adapt to a different handling philosophy at Mercedes, and multiple race-winner Carlos Sainz, who’s been outscored 42-13 by Alex Albon since joining Williams, shows this could take time.

“The driving style, I believe, is something that’s fairly inherent with you,” Davidson said. “Sure, you can change it over time. But it does take time.

“Who’s to say if Verstappen were to change team, maybe if he drove the Mercedes, that he’d have the same kind of dominance over all of his teammates that he has, that he has enjoys at Red Bull?

“Look at Sainz changing from Ferrari to Williams. He’s now having to up his game to match Albon, and look at the time it’s taken. It’s never clearcut.”

George Russell may have to accept compromise offer to stay at Mercedes

It’s unclear which driver Verstappen would partner if he did join the Silver Arrows. One would assume, given all the publicity around Russell’s expiring contract, that it would be Kimi Antonelli.

But it’s thought that Antonelli only signed a one-year deal when he replaced Lewis Hamilton for 2025. It’s unclear if that deal contains any automatic extension options.

One Red Bull insider has warned that Verstappen could ruin Antonelli’s development in a theoretical teammate match-up. He’s already damaged the careers of several drivers by beating them so comprehensively.

The most likely scenario may be Russell signing a short-term contract to stay for next year. He wouldn’t be completely satisfied, but it would allow Wolff to keep a seat open for his dream signing.