The identity of Mercedes’ future line-up remains the subject of intense speculation after only a one-year contract extension was signed with Hamilton in February while team-mate Bottas has had one-year contracts for several seasons.
That means Mercedes is free to swap drivers for 2022 if Mercedes protégé Russell, who played in the Sakhir Grand Prix last year when he replaced a COVID hit Hamilton, will be available after his three-year Williams deal is closed.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said after the Sakhir GP that he should not be “carried away” by Russell’s performance, as he was denied victory twice by a failed tire change and a late puncture, and emphasized that the seven-time champion Hamilton “quietly” be the benchmark “.
But Mercedes may have to look elsewhere if Hamilton decides not to continue the sport beyond this season, with Red Bull team boss Verstappen cited as the Briton’s long-term successor at Brackley.
Verstappen’s Red Bull deal runs until 2023, but is said to contain certain performance clauses that could allow him to switch teams as early as next winter.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner admitted that Verstappen “would of course have been the driver at the top of the list” should Hamilton step down, and now McLarens Brown has predicted that both the Dutchman and Russell will join Mercedes next year.
“That seems to me to be the logical choice for Mercedes,” said Brown when asked about a Verstappen-Russell pairing at Mercedes.
“Given George’s relationship with Mercedes and his year-end retirement, I have Lewis on a one-year contract and Max who I believe will be a free agent by the end of the year.
“Whether this is actually happening or not, and I’m not trying to move it, it looks like it’s going to happen to me.
“I think that would be a sensible move by Toto, but I have no idea if that will be the case.”
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At the Mercedes W12 launch last month, Wolff admitted that Verstappen was on his radar but said he would start conversations with his current drivers first before looking elsewhere.
“Max is certainly an outstanding young driver who will be on everyone’s lips in the future,” said Wolff.
“But like I said, we don’t flirt outside until we have clearly communicated with our two drivers.”
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