Epstein Files Shake F1 as Briatore, Todt Named While Fans Debate Mercedes’ Faith in Russell

The latest RaceFans round-up opens with a headline grabbing development, as Alpine figure Flavio Briatore and former FIA president Jean Todt are mentioned in newly released Epstein-related files. The story forms part of a broader motorsport news digest, setting the tone for Thursday’s edition compiled by Keith Collantine.

As usual, the round-up brings together multiple talking points from across Formula 1 and beyond, offering readers a snapshot of the day’s most discussed issues in the racing world. The mix of governance, personalities, and on-track implications reflects how closely motorsport intersects with wider global conversations.

A major focus of reader discussion centers on Mercedes and their evaluation of George Russell. One reader questions whether the team’s choice of Russell’s teammate suggests they do not see him as a truly elite, generational talent on the level of Max Verstappen.

The argument put forward is that Mercedes, lacking access to a Verstappen-like driver, opted instead to gamble on the strongest young option they believed was available. According to this view, if Russell were considered truly on Verstappen’s level internally, Mercedes might have paired him with a proven name such as Carlos Sainz or Alex Albon instead.

Despite this skepticism, the commenter still rates Russell highly. Alongside Charles Leclerc and possibly a more unrestricted Lando Norris, Russell is seen as one of the few drivers heading into 2026 with the potential to challenge for a world title—provided he is given a car that is clearly superior, even if only marginally, to Red Bull’s benchmark machine.

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