Russell faces British pressure

GEORGE Russell heads into his home British Grand Prix this weekend haunted by rumours and unconfirmed reports that fierce rival and four-time world champion Max Verstappen has accepted an offer to replace him at Mercedes next year.

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As Formula One returns to the circuit that hosted its first world championship race 75 years ago, the 27-year-old Briton may find himself caught on the horns of an extraordinary dilemma as he seeks a fifth career victory to secure both his seat and his future with the Silver Arrows.

If he wins — and overhauls Verstappen in the drivers' title race - he may in so doing allow the Dutchman, also 27, to trigger an exit clause in his Red Bull contract, which currently runs to 2028.

It is widely believed that if Verstappen is not in the top three in the championship by the end of July - with a realistic chance of claiming a fifth crown - he can seal a move elsewhere, a prospect given fresh impetus on Wednesday by reports claiming he has already said yes to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

Ahead of Sunday’s race, Verstappen sits third in the standings with 155 points, with Russell fourth on 146.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Verstappen and Wolff have held “concrete negotiations” which resulted in the Dutchman giving his consent to the move. No details were provided, and the story remains unconfirmed.