Max Verstappen has cooled the idea of a team-up with George Russell at the Nürburgring, believing that their current priorities are very different.
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The idea of a duo made up of Max Verstappen and George Russell at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring quickly sparked reactions in the paddock after the statements from the Mercedes driver. But the four-time world champion wanted to temper the speculation.
A few days after his notable participation in the classic German endurance race, Verstappen was asked about Russell’s interest in sharing a car with him one day. The Briton had responded with a cautious “never say never” when this possibility was mentioned to him.
A statement that immediately attracted attention, given the sometimes tense relations between the two drivers in recent seasons in Formula 1.
An almost victorious adventure at the Nürburgring
Verstappen comes out of a particularly remarkable first experience on the Nordschleife. The Red Bull driver seemed on course for victory during the 2026 edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring before a mechanical problem ruined his team’s hopes just over three hours from the finish.
This performance sparked many reactions in the paddock of the Canadian Grand Prix, where the Dutchman’s performance became a recurring topic of discussion among drivers and observers.
Several competitors also closely followed his race in Germany, proof of the growing interest of F1 drivers in major endurance events.
Verstappen highlights a difference in situation
Asked to respond to Russell’s comments, Verstappen did not completely close the door to a future collaboration, but he clearly implied that this scenario was not a priority.
“Yes, but I think we are also in somewhat different situations” explained the Red Bull driver.
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The Dutchman believes that his career in Formula 1 now allows him to explore more parallel projects, notably through his growing involvement in GT3 and endurance racing.
“I have won championships in Formula 1 and I am also very involved in my GT3 project. I think we are in a different position from this point of view.”
F1 remains Russell’s priority
For Verstappen, George Russell remains today fully focused on his main goal: winning his first world title in Formula 1.
“I think for him, the attention is entirely focused on Formula 1 for the moment” he added.
The Red Bull driver also revealed having received many messages from drivers after his adventure at the Nürburgring.
“It was nice. Many drivers sent me messages and followed the race. It’s always nice to see this interest.”
Even if a Verstappen-Russell team therefore seems unlikely in the short term, the statements of the two men show that major endurance races continue to attract the stars of Formula 1, especially when their future in the premier discipline is already firmly established.
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