Verstappen to Mercedes? 'Then Wolff should choose Russell'

20:47, 17 Jul

Updated: 21:30, 17 Jul

byCas van de Kleut

Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese has given his opinion on who he would choose to have alongside Max Verstappen at Mercedes.

It is still unknown where Max Verstappen will be driving next season, with continued rumours surrounding the Dutchman's future.

If a switch is then made, there is also a decision to be made about who would be driving alongside Verstappen at the Silver Arrows.

Patrese started by giving his advice to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff on who the Austrian should pair with the four-time champion.

In an interview with a gambling website, Patrese began: “If Max could go to Mercedes, he would. I don't think he would be very happy to stay at Red Bull at this point,” the Italian started by referring to the situation surrounding Christian Horner over the past 18 months.

Toto Wolff has continually spoken about talks he and Max Verstappen have had, with rumours surrounding the two parties still growing.

Does Verstappen prefer Mercedes?

Patrese then talked about not knowing whether Red Bull will have a good car next year. According to the Italian, this would mean that Verstappen would likely prefer to leave.

GPblog, however, knows that the Dutchman would prefer to stay at Red Bull, but he wants to see improvements in performance. Should there be no prospect of improvement, then there is a chance Verstappen will leave.

The Italian driver sees Verstappen impressing in 2025 as well: “Just because of his skills, Verstappen has achieved pole positions and victories this year."

"Max is what I saw in my time with Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna: even if their team is not the best, they can still win races and maybe even championships."

"But for a driver like Max, that's not enough. He probably thinks it's time to make a move. But if he goes to Mercedes, that would be another problem.”

Verstappen alongside Russell or Antonelli?

But who should drive alongside Verstappen, should Mercedes manage to attract the Dutchman?

Patrese said: “I am very close to Kimi. I know him very well since my son Lorenzo was karting with him. I am very close to the Antonelli family. I am a fan of Kimi, but if I were Toto, if I have to build the team for next year, I will keep Russell and Verstappen."

"Kimi looks very promising, but he still has to learn a little bit. Russell, I think, is already in a league, maybe not quite in Verstappen’s league, but of course, if you have to choose a driver just below and put beside Verstappen, I would choose [Russell]. I say that even though my heart for sure is with Kimi.”