Nico Rosberg has issued a stark warning to George Russell, stating that his seat at Mercedes for the 2026 season is “not safe at all.” The former world champion suggested that Mercedes could still pursue reigning champion Max Verstappen in the future.

With Lewis Hamilton set to move to Ferrari next season, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli will replace Hamilton. However, both Russell and Antonelli’s contracts are set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, leaving their futures uncertain. Despite Wolff claiming that his pursuit of Verstappen is currently “paused,” Rosberg believes the situation could change.

As reported by Sky Sports, Rosberg explained, “George is not safe at all because Toto still wants Max. He will try again for 2026 because ‘give up’ does not appear in Toto’s vocabulary. If Max becomes available, it will be a shootout between George and Kimi next year.”

Rosberg emphasized the pressure on Russell, noting that he “has everything to lose.” With Antonelli being just 18 and new to the team, Rosberg stated, “It’s not an easy situation for George.”

However, Wolff dismissed the notion of a direct competition between Russell and Antonelli for 2025. He told Sky Sports, “No. I very much hope we go a long time with these two. It is clear you always pick the best drivers, but as it stands, that is the line-up.”

Regarding Mercedes’ talks with Verstappen, Wolff added, “We have had an open channel over the last few years. Sometimes discussing more, sometimes discussing less, but it never came to putting terms together. For the moment, it is a pause.”

Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle also weighed in, noting that Russell may feel the pressure of Antonelli’s arrival and the possibility of Verstappen joining. “Clearly, Toto is hugely invested in Kimi, and with overtures to Max, George will occasionally be looking over his shoulder,” Brundle said. However, he added that if Russell and Antonelli prove to be a successful duo, there may be no need for Verstappen.

Russell, who replaced Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes in 2022, finished in eighth place last season and currently holds the same position in the standings