George Russell has plenty to ponder heading into the 2025 season (Image: Getty)
Cadillac have been advised to do everything possible to secure driver in time for their debut campaign in 2026. Russell, 27, has stepped into shoes as the Silver Arrows’ top driver after the seven-time world champion left the Brackley team to realise
Despite receiving support from many F1 experts haven’t forgotten towards the end of last season. After Russell criticised his car’s quality in similar fashion to Hamilton, Rosberg suggested the King’s Lynn-born driver should be careful with his words as his future at isn’t guaranteed, with his contract set to expire at the end of 2025. Hamilton’s departure sparked numerous , who has had his despite winning the last four world championships consecutively. Verstappen nearly lost his lead in the second half of last season due to problems with his car, while his father Jos has. Considering the current landscape, Dutch F1 pundit Jack Plooij thinks Cadillac might attempt to lure Russell away.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
With Colton Herta being hotly tipped for a seat with the new American F1 team, Plooij said: “Who do you put next to him? in 2026? He has to get out, because Max has to get in. I’d throw everything at Russell.”
Cadillac will become the 11th F1 team next year and are already building a robust foundation. They’ve appointed seasoned businessman Graeme Lowdon as team principal, racing icon Mario Andretti as director, and former Haas member Peter Crolla as the new F1 race team manager. IndyCar star Herta is anticipated to be their first signing, with reports suggesting he’s been offered a substantial F1 contract for 2026.
Meanwhile, Russell has stayed on at this season, with young Italian talent Kimi Antonelli stepping up as his team-mate. As the Australian GP kicks off the season, Rosberg’s cautionary words still hold weight. In September, Rosberg told Sky Sports: ” is not safe at all because Toto still wants Max and he will try again for 2026. ‘Give up’ does not appear in Toto’s vocabulary.
“So if Max does become available and I do think it’s a possibility, then it is a shootout between George and Kimi next year. And it’s a lot of pressure on George because he has everything to lose.”
Wolff’s admiration of Verstappen is no secret (Image: Getty)
Guenther Steiner concurred with Rosberg’s sentiments in September. He said: “The car is what it is. It’s not the best car, it’s the fourth best car at the moment on a good day. I think Lewis knowing that he’s leaving anyway, it’s easier to complain.
“George has got all the interest to do whatever to show that he’s the leader of the team for the future. He has to prove that, because he knows that when his contract is up, his seat is not 100 per cent safe so he just tries to do his best, puts everything into it.”
Russell’s contract with is set to conclude at the end of the year, while Verstappen’s deal is due to expire in 2028. However, reports suggest there may be a clause allowing him an early exit if he wishes. In a Sky Italy interview last September, Verstappen neither confirmed nor denied such a clause but expressed he was “relaxed” about his future and planned to stay with “as long as I enjoy it”.
In January, Wolff told Auto Motor und Sport, via PlanetF1, that “there was never a plan” to bring Verstappen to , reinforcing that the Dutch driver preferred to stay with . Yet, the unfolding events of the 2025 season could influence whether the boss considers pursuing Verstappen again.