Former F1 champion fully supports Russell amidst Verstappen Rumours
Updated: 16:15, 18 Jul 2025
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Nicole Mulder is Managing Editor at GPblog and a specialist in Formula 1 and MotoGP. With years of experience and permanent accreditation at Grands Prix worldwide, she delivers reliable coverage and insights based on direct access to drivers and the F1 paddock.
Jenson Button would find it unfair towards George Russell if Mercedes decided to replace him with Max Verstappen. According to the 2009 world champion, it would be a 'strange decision' given Russell's current form. He would prefer to see them working together as a teammates.
In conversation with The Chris Moyles Show, Button was asked about the chance of a direct swap between Verstappen and Russell. “I mean, possible,” he said. However, the Brit sees obstacles for Verstappen if he leaves his trusted Red Bull environment.
Button also emphasised that the Dutch driver is in a good position at Red Bull Racing, where the car is fully built around him, and does not expect a similar scenario to occur at Mercedes.
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Button: 'Verstappen Move Unfair to Russell'
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Moreover, Button believes it would be unfair to George Russell, who is currently just 18 points behind Verstappen in the Formula 1 championship standings.
"It's a tough one on George, because George is at the top of his game. I think he's been so competitive. When you see what he did against Lewis [Hamilton] in the last few years, he is World Championship material," Button said.
The suggestion that Mercedes could bring in Verstappen at Russell's expense is, according to Button, quite surprising.
"So, to replace Max with him, it just seems like a strange move. I know they've got the young Kimi Antonelli, who's 18, who could be a future star. But we still don't know that."
"Whereas George is there, he is good, and you need two very competitive drivers with this new era of the sport. Next year, obviously lots of regulation changes, car change, engine change. So, for me, George and Max would be a better line-up.”
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When asked whether he thinks such a pairing could actually work, Button replied: "I would love to see it!"
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