George Russell threatens to quit Mercedes and join Max Verstappen at Red Bull in shock F1 switch

Mercedes had previously dominated the sport for a decade with Hamilton going on to break multiple records.

But Russell has had to make do with watching Red Bull and Verstappen take charge of F1 with Mercedes struggling to close the gap.

There will big changes on the grid next year with driver changes including Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes for Ferrari.

However, the major changes to the sport will come the following year when the next set of regulations are introduced.

There is a level of unknown heading into 2026 on which team is best placed with their current packages.

Mercedes and Red Bull both appear confident that they are each on the right track while drivers up and down the grid are keeping a close eye on which team could hold the advantage.

Toto Wolff has made no secret of his desire to steal Verstappen from Red Bull and bring him to Mercedes as Hamilton's replacement.

That's not something that would frighten Russell, who feels his record against Hamilton is proof that he can compete with the best.

But the 26-year-old would also consider leaving for Red Bull in what would be devastating blow to Mercedes.

"I wouldn't shy away from jumping alongside Max, nor would I shy away from him jumping in with us," he told the Daily Mail.

"I had the biggest challenge of joining Mercedes against the greatest driver of all time statistically, in qualifying and in the race, and I performed against him, and that's all I can do.

"Max can take a year off for 2026 and see which the best team is.

"I wouldn't be at all surprised if he did that. Remember, 2026 is a lottery. So, you truly don't know what will transpire.

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"I am a loyal guy and Mercedes have given me the opportunity, but I want to be a world champion.

"That's not us at the moment. But a year ago McLaren were the slowest team and now they are the quickest."