George Russell slumped to P10 at Silverstone

Brundle snipes at Wolff over Verstappen bombshell transfer talks: 'You're hanging Russell out to dry!'

14:58, 04 Jul

Updated: 15:31, 04 Jul

byNorberto Mujica

Max Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes would not be without cassualties. That George Russell is rumoured to be on the chopping block should the move indeed take place is something Martin Brundle believes to be unfair.

Which would make Andrea Kimi Antonelli the chosen driver to partner Verstappen should the Dutchman choose to switch F1 teams. Is Russell being treated fairly was the question posed to Brundle on Sky Sports, which he replied to with a resounding "No, I don't think he is."

Mercedes team principal and CEO Toto Wolff has been very outspoken on his interest in signing the Dutch world champion, with Russell blown the lid wide open on the situation at the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend.

"I think that he's been hung out to dry a little bit," elaborated the former F1 driver turned commentator. "He's doing a brilliant job of leading the Mercedes team. He's picked up the mantle from Lewis Hamilton very well."

"It must be super uncomfortable for him and a bit embarrassing that, you know, he's sitting there waiting, unless stuff's going on behind the scenes, but if it is, why are they not saying so?"

'Verstappen is the fastest driver and F1 is a shark pool'

"Of course, Max Verstappen - I think everybody accepts he's the fastest one on the grid - comes with certain challenges as well. But it's a very difficult situation," added Brundle understanding and validating the talks that are reportedly being held between Mercedes and Verstappen.

"But that's the crucible of Formula 1. That there is the shark pool out there and, you know what, if you're a team principal, don't make a decision 'til you really have to," concluded Brundle.