George Russell`s excellent performance at the beginning of the 2025 Formula 1 season raises questions about why Mercedes hasn`t offered him a new contract yet. The 27-year-old driver has achieved three podium finishes in the first four races and is currently close behind championship leader Lando Norris in points.
Russell, along with Max Verstappen, is considered one of the top drivers this season, consistently maximizing the potential of his Mercedes car.
Team principal Toto Wolff has praised Russell`s performance, placing him among the top drivers in Formula 1. This makes it even more surprising that Russell is in the final year of his contract with Mercedes.
Despite rumors of an impending contract extension, it remains unclear why there`s a delay. Let`s examine the factors contributing to this situation.
Russell`s Current Contract
Russell`s last contract renewal was in August 2023, when he and Lewis Hamilton signed deals reportedly lasting until the end of the 2025 season. In February 2024, Hamilton`s move to Ferrari for 2025 revealed his contract had a `one-plus-one` structure, allowing both parties to opt out at the end of 2024.
It`s uncertain if Russell`s deal was similar, but Hamilton`s departure created an opportunity for Russell to become the team`s primary driver.
In 2024, Russell outperformed Hamilton in qualifying and finished ahead in the championship standings, despite a race disqualification that wasn`t his fault. The decision to potentially bring in rookie Kimi Antonelli for 2025 further emphasized Russell`s position as team leader.
This season, Russell has already significantly outscored Antonelli, despite the rookie showing promising speed.
Is the Delay Unusual?
In Formula 1, it`s uncommon for top drivers like Russell to remain without a contract extension, especially given his performance. McLaren, for example, has secured long-term deals with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Norris extended his contract to 2027, and Piastri to 2028.
Max Verstappen also has a long-term contract with Red Bull until 2028, although these contracts often include exit clauses based on performance.
Ferrari`s delay in renewing Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz`s contracts, which expired at the end of 2024, was notable. Leclerc eventually signed a new deal, but Sainz was replaced by Hamilton, possibly due to Ferrari`s interest in Hamilton.
Mercedes Waiting for Verstappen?
A key factor in Russell`s contract situation might be Mercedes` potential interest in Max Verstappen. After Hamilton`s Ferrari announcement and turmoil at Red Bull, Toto Wolff publicly pursued Verstappen.
While Wolff acknowledged that Verstappen wouldn`t move for 2025, he expressed continued interest for 2026, coinciding with new engine regulations that could favor Mercedes.
However, with Verstappen`s continued success at Red Bull, Wolff stated before the 2025 season that he was no longer actively trying to sign him.
Despite Wolff`s public stance, Red Bull`s recent challenges and Helmut Marko`s concerns about Verstappen`s future might reignite Mercedes` interest in the reigning champion.
Russell and Verstappen as Team-mates?
A Verstappen-Russell pairing at Mercedes would be complex, especially considering their past public disagreements. It would also mean sidelining Antonelli, a young driver Mercedes has heavily invested in.
While Red Bull might avoid pairing Verstappen with another top driver, some believe Mercedes would embrace a strong driver lineup of Russell and Verstappen.
Ted Kravitz from Sky Sports suggests that Russell`s performance, however strong, wouldn`t deter Wolff from signing Verstappen if the opportunity arose, highlighting the ruthless nature of Formula 1.
What`s Next?
As the season progresses, the lack of a new contract for Russell becomes more noticeable. While reports suggest a two-year extension for Russell is near, confirmation from Mercedes is still pending.
Both Russell and Wolff have publicly downplayed any urgency, emphasizing a positive relationship. However, Wolff`s recent comments seem less definitive than earlier statements.
Wolff maintains that Russell is a valued Mercedes driver, a product of their junior program. Russell claims no pressure, noting past contract negotiations were swift.
Despite public calm, it`s likely Russell would readily sign an extension, and it would be logical for Mercedes to secure a deal with him. While waiting for a potential Verstappen opportunity is understandable, the uncertainty around Russell`s contract will only intensify, especially with his continued strong performances.
Karun Chandhok suggests that if no deal is reached by the British Grand Prix in July, the situation becomes more concerning for Russell. For now, Russell`s best approach is to maintain his high performance, making it undeniable for Mercedes to secure his future with the team.
Marcus Prine