George Russell 'welcomes' the idea of Max Verstappen becoming his new Mercedes team-mate... with the Dutchman's future in doubt after father Jos said Red Bull would 'explode' unless Christian Horner resigns

George Russell has welcomed the idea of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes if the triple world champion walks out on Red Bull.

Verstappen’s future is in question after his father Jos told Mail Sport that the title-winning team would ‘explode’ unless Christian Horner stands down as boss.

Verstappen Snr is angry with Horner despite the 50-year-old Englishman having been exonerated of charges of ‘coercive behaviour’ towards a female colleague. 

A day after that verdict of an internal inquiry, a leaked email produced evidence purporting to show Horner sending suggestive WhatsApp messages to his colleague.

Verstappen Snr held talks – and a dinner – with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff last week in Bahrain, while a source close to the Verstappens further suggested they were prepared to consider a move elsewhere if the situation at Red Bull didn’t clear up.

George Russell has welcomed the idea of Max Verstappen becoming his new team-mate

Verstappen has been linked with a move to Mercedes after the recent drama at Red Bull

Max's father Jos (right) said Red Bull would 'explode' if Christian Horner (right) kept his role at the team, while he also held talks with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in Bahrain 

Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Russell said: ‘Any team wants to have the best driver line-up possible and right now Max is the best driver on the grid.

'If any team had a chance to sign Max they would 100 per cent be taking it. But the question is on his side and Red Bull’s side and we don’t know what is truly going on behind closed doors and it is none of our business, but it would be exciting.’

A seat is available at Mercedes next year when Lewis Hamilton goes to Ferrari, while there are break clauses in Verstappen’s deal at Red Bull that runs until 2028.

‘This is my third season alongside Lewis, the greatest of all time,’ added Russell. 

Russell (right) who has done a strong job against Lewis Hamilton believes that he can 'beat anybody on the grid' including triple world champion Verstappen (left)

‘I feel as if I have done a pretty good job alongside him.

‘Whoever were to line up alongside me, I welcome the challenge.

‘You want to go against the best, but I am focused on myself and I believe I can beat anybody on the grid. Having Lewis as my benchmark has been a good for me.’