Russell Reveals Possible Delay in Renewal with Mercedes
George Russell has hinted that negotiations for the renewal of his contract with Mercedes could be delayed due to the team’s interest in signing Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen.
The 27-year-old British driver, whose contract ends at the end of this season, is in a different contractual situation than Verstappen, who has an agreement with Red Bull until 2028, subject to possible exit clauses.
Russell, winner in Canada two weeks ago, told Sky Sports at the Austrian Grand Prix that Mercedes, a team that dominated the constructors’ category from 2014 to 2021 and currently ranks second, seeks to regain its place at the top.
If you want to get back to the top, you must make sure you have the best drivers, the best engineers, the best pit crew, and that’s what Mercedes is looking for.
George Russell
Russell added: “It’s normal that conversations with Verstappen are ongoing. But for my part, if I’m performing as I am, what should I worry about? There are two seats in every Formula 1 team.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff expressed his interest in Verstappen last year, seeking a replacement for seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
Ultimately, the young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli, 18 years old, received an opportunity, setting several age records and gaining the support of the fans.
Verstappen and Russell have been involved in several notable incidents on and off the track in the last 12 months, which could raise concerns at Mercedes about the possibility of putting them together in the same team.
Russell also revealed that Toto Wolff has assured him that his performance is comparable to that of any other driver on the grid.
“I think there’s only one driver that can be debated in terms of performance, these are his words, not mine, that’s why I’m not worried about the future,” he stated.
“But there are two seats on each team and I guess he needs to think, who will those two drivers be for those two seats?, and I guess that’s where the delay lies.”
Verstappen, present at the FIA’s main press conference, was reluctant to talk about his future when asked if he would race for Red Bull next year.
“Do you want me to repeat what I said last year?… It’s really not on my mind. I just drive well, try to boost performance, and then we focus on next year.”
