Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff was asked at the press conference in Austria whether a lineup featuring George Russell and Max Verstappen could be possible. The Austrian compared this potential pairing to a previous Mercedes duo known for their fierce rivalry. “I can imagine every lineup,” started Wolff at the press conference.
“I had Rosberg and Hamilton who fought for world championships. Everything after
that is easy. So yes, there are pros and cons to having two drivers
fighting fiercely against each other. We have seen examples where that worked
well, and others where it did not''
''And as it comes to the contract situation,
you know: our sport is pressure, constant pressure. Whether you're in the car or
outside, you just have to be able to deal with it. And George knows that, just like
every other driver. I feel that when you're placed in a comfort zone, that's sometimes
even more detrimental to the performance than when there's a certain pressure.”
Did Russell spill the beans about Verstappen?
Rumors about Verstappen's future in
Formula 1 continue to circulate. George Russell recently hinted that discussions might be underway between Verstappen and Mercedes. Over the years and months,
Toto Wolff has been open about his desire to see Verstappen join Mercedes.Verstappen-Russell pairing on the same caliber as Rosberg and Hamilton?
From 2013 to 2016, Rosberg and Hamilton battled for the Formula 1 world title. Their intense rivalry, both on and off the track, led to fierce tensions and occasional collisions, such as during the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix. That year, Rosberg emerged victorious, claiming the world championship—only to retire shortly afterward.