Expert Suggests Mercedes Could Easily Replace Russell with Verstappen

Former Formula 1 racing engineer for Ferrari, **Rob Smedley**, who collaborated with Brazilian driver Felipe Massa, shared his thoughts on the potential move of four-time reigning world champion Max Verstappen to Mercedes.

«When it comes to choosing between George Russell and Verstappen for a new contract, that’s an incredibly tough decision. We’re talking about a four-time world champion who stands out as one of those exceptionally rare drivers capable of extracting more performance from a car than it naturally offers. He demonstrated that in Saturday’s race in Miami and right from the start of the race.

If I were in a position to make that decision, I would have to say — would I prefer having **Max Verstappen** in my car over anyone else on the grid right now? Absolutely, 100% I would want that. No doubt about it,» Smedley remarked, as cited by F1Oversteer.