F1
Mercedes told to sacrifice George Russell in risky Max Verstappen plan
Mercedes should let George Russell go to make room for Max Verstappen, according to Express Sport readers. The talented Brit has enjoyed an exceptional start to the 2025 campaign but remains without a contract that would keep him with the Silver Arrows into the new regulation period. Russell and team-mate Kimi Antonelli are both products of the Mercedes young driver programme, and the 27-year-old has stepped up into a team leader role in 2025 after Lewis Hamilton swapped Brackley for Maranello, joining Ferrari and ending a 12-year stay with Toto Wolff’s squad.
The 2025 campaign has been a breakthrough one for Russell, who until the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix had finished fifth or higher in every race. Heading into the Monaco Grand Prix, he is the bridge between the three drivers fighting for the Drivers’ Championship title and the chasing pack.
