168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:George Russell says he “wouldn’t be at all surprised” if 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Max Verstappen decided to take a year off in 2026 to assess his F1 options.

Verstappen’s F1 future has been a hot topic since the start of the year,🎉 particularly given Red Bull’s off-track turmoil.

The Dutchman haജs been heavily☂ linked with a switch to Mercedes, with Toto Wolff going public with his interest in Verstappen.

While Verstappen has a contract until 2028, it’s though𓆏t that he has a number of exit clauses in his contract.

Another factor to consider is the new rules in 2026, when Red Bull will build their own engine for the first🌟 time.

Mercedes are still undecided on which driver will partner Russell in 2025 following 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Lewis Hamilton’s shock decision to join Ferrari.

Russell remains open ♏to partnering Verstappen should Mercedes manage to sign F1’s top driver - but suggesteꦛd the three-time world champion might take a sabbatical.

“I had the ♔biggest challenge of joining Mercedes against the greatest driver of all time statistic🐼ally, 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.”

Russell signed a multi-year deal with Mercedes in the middle of last year,ꦑ keeping him at the team until the end of 2025 at the earliest.

While Mercedes’ competitiveness has unfortunatel🐼y nos🌺e-dived since Russell joined the team in 2022, the Brit remains totally “loyal” to the Brackley outfit.

“I am a loyal guy and Mercedes have given me the opportunity, but I want to be a World Champion. Th🦋at’s not us at the moment,” he added.

“But a year ago McLaren were the slowest team ꧂and now they are the quickest.”