F1 (2026)
- Thread starter Pootsy
- Start date
longers
Parcheggia l'autobus
I think he loses his seat to Verstappen either way within the next two seasons
He could potentially lose it at the end of this season even if he wins the title, becoming the first champ since Damon Hill to lose his seat following a title season.
Alternatively, Max takes a season off next year, driving sports cars, and joins Merc in 2028.
Russell will have to do something pretty special to stay beyond two seasons provided Max still wants to be in F1
Lapeno77
Player Valuation: £35m
Can't see Russell and Verstappen in the same team. There does seem to be a genuine personal issue their beyond the usual on track shenanigans.
Yeah, can see the 1 yr break for Verstappen to go do other races.
longers
Parcheggia l'autobus
Neither can I. I think Russell would be up for it, but only because it's the only viable way he stays at Mercedes long term. Just this week he said his dream team mate is Verstappen, so I'm pretty sure he is aware of how things are likely to play out.
I don't think Max would join with Russell as a teammate, besides them not liking each other he also understands that having a clear number 1 is the best way to win championships, he has the reputation where he can dictate that in his terms, Russell doesn't and has to pretend he wants Max as team mate.
I don't think Merc would want the potential headache of them as teammsates either.
AndyP94
Player Valuation: £8m
With how tough it is to overtake here, I hope someone other than a Mercedes can get into the lead, to prevent them pulling off into the distance so early.
AndyP94
Player Valuation: £8m
He may not return if he can't be convinced with these new regulations.
Like you said, it's early, but I thought Russell would convincingly beat his teammate, but the early signs are that it's his teammate who's putting the pressure on him.
I think they'll end up as even as Piastri and Norris were last season, so the team unable to back one driver over the other and them both taking a huge championship lead over everybody else.
At least we might get an inter team battle as Antonelli is starting to look like he can fight Russell which is good news, i thought Russell was going to beat him easily head to head in the quickest car out there.
I agree tomorrow could be a dull race but Japan never stands out for me, the drivers love it but overtaking is always tough so not a great watch.
As far as dullest ever goes,have we forgotten the Borefest that was the 2023 season ,which coincidentally didn`t see Max crying his eyes out after every race surprisingly enough.
I agree tomorrow could be a dull race but Japan never stands out for me, the drivers love it but overtaking is always tough so not a great watch.
As far as dullest ever goes,have we forgotten the Borefest that was the 2023 season ,which coincidentally didn`t see Max crying his eyes out after every race surprisingly enough.
Exciting start, yes!
Encouraging at least to see the Mercedes not having blasted past the pack, although (as of lap 7) George is 0.7s behind Piastri and will take him within a few laps surely. Antonelli not making any headway from P5 though.
George did say he's going to need to manage the car this race with some issues, so hopefully he doesn't just end up waltzing away into the distance to win by about 45 seconds.
George did say he's going to need to manage the car this race with some issues, so hopefully he doesn't just end up waltzing away into the distance to win by about 45 seconds.
Piastri trying to make up for missing the first two races
Versty 11 seconds off P5 already, shocking car.
My boy Lec clinging on to third place
If Russell can get the undercut on Piastri he'll win the race, but hopefully Oscar can keep his position. He's doing excellently so far. Very positive to see the Mercedes not dominating.