Getting Max to Mercedes doesn't really seem to be the thing Mercedes needs at the moment, we are talking about a bad car, unfortunately Mercedes doesn't have a good car and if they do have a great one at 2026 with new regulations that would be great for them, but if they don't, then I am sorry but they would still fail, with max or without him.
All teams need to focus on the car at the moment, we are talking about a whole brand new car, something that is incredibly difficult to manufacture because you have no idea what's wrong and what's not, look at how McLaren got so much better over course of just a season last time, so we can be safe to assume that we are not going to see teams know what they are doing for a long time, and one lucky winner will be doing something right, but then they all going to work on it to get better. Car is far superior and important than driver for next year, then it will be back on driver I am sure, but not for next season.
With Russell at Mercedes it will be difficult to have him agree to move there. They are not at the best terms with each other with the antics that have transpired over the course of this season so far.
From what I remember George's contract is over after this season so that could suit a Verstappen move quite well. Since it is not only the car that is a factor for a driver to agree the move to another team but also the driver.
I will take a guess and say Max will definitely warm up for the move to Mercedes with Antonelli there.