GEORGE RUSSELL says he would welcome Max Verstappen to Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement. Verstappen is at the centre of a bitter row between his father Jos and Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner. The controversy surrounding the Red Bull team principal dominated the season’s opening race in Bahrain. Verstappen Snr has called for Horner’s head and said his son could be forced to quit the team if Horner stays – despite winning the Bahrain GP by over 22 seconds. 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. Russell added: “We want to see all of the facts and just have total transparency.

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