Button: Russell – Verstappen would be 'better line-up' for Mercedes

As rumors continue to swirl around a potential blockbuster move for Max Verstappen to Mercedes, 2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button has thrown his support behind a hypothetical pairing of the Dutchman with current Mercedes driver George Russell – and not rising star Kimi Antonelli.

The buzz around Verstappen’s potential move intensified at the Austrian Grand Prix when Russell, whose contract with Mercedes runs through 2025, hinted at discussions with the Red Bull drive.

Red Bull’s shock decision last week to part ways with long-standing team principal Christian Horner gave the rumor mill another spin, although pundits have suggested that the energy drink company’s move was intended to keep Verstappen at Red Bull until his contract expires at the end of 2028.

Speaking on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, Button shared his thoughts on Verstappen’s future, weighing up the potential pros and cons of the three-time champion leaving Red Bull for pastures new in Brackley.

“A tricky one for Max”

When asked if a straight swap between Verstappen and Russell could happen, Button acknowledged: “I mean, possible.”

He then expanded on the complexities Verstappen would face in departing the Red Bull environment, where the team has been built extensively around his driving style.

“It's a tricky one for Max, because he's in a position where he's doing so well with Red Bull – they've given him so much over the years,” said Button.

“They've designed this car around him, and he's extremely good at it. Nobody can match him in that car.
They're so far off him. I mean, him qualifying third or fourth, and them qualifying 18th.

“If he goes to Mercedes, it's a different thing altogether. You know, that car is not going to be designed around him. So, is it going to work for him? I don't know.

“I mean, the best in the world should be able to make that work for him.”

Backing Russell Over Antonelli

Amid discussions over whether Mercedes would keep its 18-year-old protégé Kimi Antonelli in a race seat next year, Button was clear in his preference for Russell, who has proven his worth alongside Lewis Hamilton in recent seasons.

“It's a tough one on George, because George is at the top of his game,” Button said. “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.

• Read also: Verstappen insider says Mercedes deal ‘just missing final details’

“So, to replace him with Max, 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.”

And while some may question whether Verstappen and Russell – who have clashed on and off the track in the past – could truly gel as teammates, Button made his feelings clear: “I would love to see it!”

The idea of two fiercely competitive drivers sharing the garage at Mercedes could set the stage for an electrifying dynamic as the team prepares for a new era in Formula 1.

As speculation continues to swirl, Button’s endorsement of a Verstappen-Russell pairing has given fans plenty to ponder, with Mercedes facing critical decisions about its driver line-up in the coming seasons.

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