Ex-F1 driver cautions Mercedes drivers with a 'Verstappen move in 2027'

After three races, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are firmly locked in the title fight, with the Italian now leading the standings by nine points following his Suzuka victory and his team-mate’s fourth-place finish.

With Mercedes looking so dominant, it is easy to expect the championship battle to revolve primarily around the two Silver Arrows, much like McLaren’s intra-team fight in the first half of last season, before Verstappen and Red Bull staged their comeback.

Speaking to a betting site, the former Williams driver acknowledged Verstappen as the best driver on the current grid and suggested that whoever misses out on the title would have to leave Mercedes.

The Dutchman has continued to cast doubt over his long-term future in Formula 1, openly questioning whether the sport still delivers the same level of excitement and leaving the possibility of an exit at the end of the season firmly on the table.

Irvine, however, is unfazed by those remarks. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Ferrari driver downplayed the impact of a potential departure, arguing that the grid is already packed with talent capable of stepping up.

He also pointed out that, despite Verstappen’s current frustrations - particularly with running in the midfield - the financial incentives at play remain a significant factor, suggesting there are compelling reasons for the Dutchman to continue.