Max Verstappen downplayed the possibility of teaming up with George Russell in a future participation in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. The four-time Formula 1 world champion commented on the matter after the Mercedes driver recently stated that he would not rule out sharing a car with the Dutchman in the traditional endurance race.
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The topic gained prominence during the Canadian GP weekend, following Verstappen’s strong performance in the 2026 edition of the German race. The Red Bull Racing driver was very close to victory with car number 3, comfortably leading until facing reliability issues just over three hours before the end of the race.
During the press activities in Montreal, Russell was asked about the possibility of competing alongside the Dutchman in the future and responded with a cautious ‘never say never’. The statement drew attention especially because of the recent history between the two drivers, and the frequent speculations involving a possible link between Verstappen and the British driver’s seat at Mercedes.
In recent years, both have had disagreements off the track, which added even more interest to the idea raised by Russell. However, when the Mercedes driver’s statements were presented to Verstappen, the Dutchman’s reaction was cautious.
“Yes, but I think I am also in a slightly different situation, right? I have already won championships in Formula 1 and, besides that, I am involved with my entire GT3 project. I think we are at slightly different moments in that sense,” Verstappen said.
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The four-time champion also suggested that Russell’s focus remains fully on the main motorsport category: “I think, for him, the focus is completely on Formula 1 at the moment,” he added.
Although he cooled the possibility of an immediate partnership, Verstappen did not completely reject the idea. His statements indicated more a difference in priorities than a definitive refusal of the suggestion made by the Mercedes driver.
The 28-year-old competitor also revealed that he received several messages from other drivers following his participation in Nurburgring: “But it’s nice. Many drivers sent me messages and were following everything. I think it’s always good to see that,” Verstappen concluded, highlighting the interest that races outside Formula 1 arouse among his grid colleagues.
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