George Russell has told this column that he would welcome Max Verstappen as his Mercedes team-mate.

The two 26-year-olds are among the outstanding talents of their age but Verstappen’s numbers trump Russell by dint of winning three world championships to none, and — yikes — by 59 wins to one.

Verstappen has made extraordinarily brilliant use of his Red Bull, and he is signed up until the end of 2028. However, the new regulations coming in 2026 mean he remains the sport’s most marketable commodity, his future uncertain. He is obtainable for approximately £80million a year.

No team, if they could afford the price tag, and offer him winning equipment, would turn down the Dutchman’s services. He is a winning machine, like no other.

Furthermore, his father, Jos, is diametrically opposed to the Red Bull management of Christian Horner and would be open to career alternatives for his son should a rival show signs of prospective success. Jos remains in dialogue with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, trust me.

George Russell would welcome Max Verstappen if the Red Bull star jumped ship to Mercedes

Verstappen’s father, Jos, remains in dialogue with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff