[PapaofGags]

George Russell says he would welcome the “challenge” of having reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen as his next Mercedes teammate.  (Crash/AutoSport)

With the controversy surrounding Christian Horner not dying down amid a rumoured fallout and internal politics within the Red Bull camp, speculation about Verstappen’s future has ramped up.

There have been suggestions that the three-time world champion could be on Mercedes’ radar to replace Hamilton with team boss Toto Wolff spotted deep in conversation with the Dutchman’s father, Jos Verstappen, after the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Asked if he could see what would be a blockbuster switch becoming reality, Russell replied: “I think any team want to have the best driver line-up possible and right now Max is the best driver on the grid.

“So if any team had the chance to sign Max they’d 100% be taking it. I think the question is more on the other side, on his side and on Red Bull’s side.

“Obviously so much going on there and we don’t know what truly is going on behind closed doors and ultimately it’s none of our business.