George Russell warned over Max Verstappen 'background talks' at Mercedes

Nico Rosberg believes there could be "some talks in the background" between Max Verstappen and Mercedes, despite George Russell looking poised to extend his stay with the team.

The British driver has been one of the stand-out performers in F1 this season, which has strengthened his claim to remain at the Brackley-based squad despite the persistent rumours linking the team to the four-time F1 drivers' champion.

Team principal Toto Wolff missed out on the Dutchman a decade ago, who swiftly joined the Red Bull. After making his debut for Toro Rosso in 2015, Verstappen has not looked back, but the interest from Wolff has not subsided, even though the turbulent and contentious 2021 season.

Now, with rookie Kimi Antonelli performing well, it looks like Russell would be the one to make way if Verstappen were to become available, who is nonetheless contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028.

"Red Bull is not stupid," Rosberg told Sky Germany. "They paid Max a fortune and signed him for several years. I don’t think he can just run away.

"But you can’t force him to stay. If he wants to leave, you have to accept it at some point."

Whilst Russell, who joined the team in 2022 and is out of contract at the end of the year, does not appear concerned by the current lack of extension to his existing deal, Rosberg does feel there could be some stalling tactics being employed by Wolff.

"On the other hand, there is also the George Russell situation at Mercedes," he said. "There is some delay in it, because Toto Wolff should actually sign him now. This is his number one driver, his performance this season is mega again.

"Maybe there are some talks in the background with the Verstappen side."

'This is a poker game'

Fellow former F1 driver and compatriot Timo Glock argued there could be some posturing behind the scenes, contending there might be some "poker" being played as neither Russell nor Mercedes is in any rush.

The 27-year-old recently won his first grand prix of the current F1 season and his fourth in total, and has stepped out of Lewis Hamilton's shadow remarkably this year to lead the team.

"At Mercedes there is no hurry," Glock said. "On the one hand, of course, you can play a bit of poker with each other.

"Russell is also someone who already has a lot of experience, performs well, and maybe also changed the numbers in his contract a bit and wants to earn more. This is a poker game.

"On the other hand, Mercedes keeps all doors open."