Patrese: If I were Toto Wolff, I will keep Russell and get Verstappen
F1 NewsFriday, 18 July 2025 at 08:49
Riccardo Patrese believes that if Max Verstappen ditches Red Bull to join Mercedes, then Toto Wolff should stick with George Russell rather than expose teenager Kimi Antonelli to the four-time Formula 1 World Champion as a teammate.
Speaking to the Prime Casino media team, six-time Grand Prix winner Patrese suggested that Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull has been severely tested by recent internal upheaval: “The Horner business was a surprise. We knew there were problems inside the team. Now this news of Max, who seems to want to go to Mercedes. This has to be a possibility.”
Patrese said the departure of Adrian Newey had further destabilised the team: “From the technical and organisational point of view, it's not the same Red Bull as some years ago. For Max to spend one year without a competitive car is not an option.
"It’s only because of his ability that he has pole positions and sometimes wins. Max is what I saw in my era with Schumacher and Senna… But that is not enough. He definitely thinks it is time to make a move," added the 71-year-old Italian.
Patrese: Kimi looks very promising, but he still has to learn
Despite his close relationship with Kimi Antonelli and the young Italian’s promise, Patrese said Wolff should retain Russell: “If I were Toto, if I have to build the team for next year, I will keep Russell and get Verstappen.
"Kimi looks very promising, but he still has to learn a little bit. Russell is already in a league, maybe not quite in Verstappen’s league, but close. My heart is with Kimi, but I would choose Russell," admitted Perez.
Patrese also speculated on Russell’s future if Mercedes opts for Antonelli-Verstappen: “I hope for Russell, he can go to Aston Martin. It would be better for him, especially if he can unite with Adrian Newey.”
In that scenario, Patrese said: “Maybe Lance could say, ‘OK, I’m tired and I retire.’ I have the impression that life as a Formula 1 driver is not for him. I think he’s there because of his father’s dream. He’s not a driver who shows he is hungry. I don’t think he has the aggression needed to be on top.”
Alonso back to Team Flavio Briatore aka Alpine aka Renault?
As for Fernando Alonso, Patrese hinted at a possible reunion with Flavio Briatore at Alpine: “They are very good friends. But now that Adrian Newey is there, Fernando probably wants to stay. He knows he can have the opportunity to have a good car in a year or two.”
Patrese acknowledged Antonelli’s talent but insisted there can be no excuses at the top level: “If Verstappen comes, Antonelli will have had one year of Formula 1. He has to deliver a good performance. If he is not able to cope, then he means that is not good enough.”
Referencing Hamilton and Verstappen’s rapid impact, Patrese said: “If you are outstanding and then you make a difference, you need to be ready immediately.”
Looking ahead to this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Patrese expects Russell to respond strongly to the speculation: “When he goes to Spa, I think he’s going to be super competitive. His mind is on the car and the result, not really thinking about what might happen next year.”
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