Mercedes Focuses on 2025 Amid Contract Speculation Involving Russell and Verstappen
As Mercedes navigates a challenging Formula 1 season, George Russell confirmed that discussions regarding his contract extension have been temporarily sidelined. The team’s immediate priority is enhancing its performance ahead of the 2025 season.
Both Russell and fellow driver Lewis Hamilton are out of contract at the season’s end, leading to speculation about potential replacements, including Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen. Russell, however, expressed confidence in his place within Mercedes: "I know I’m going to be in Formula 1 next year. My intention and goal is to stay with Mercedes," he stated.
While talks between Russell and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had begun in light of Russell’s strong early season performance, Russell noted, “We’ve got bigger fish to fry at the moment, which is making our car go faster.”
Verstappen holds a contract with Red Bull until 2028 but may have an exit clause allowing him to leave for 2026 if he fails to rank among the top four in the championship by the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. Currently, he maintains a 43-point lead over fifth-place Charles Leclerc despite penalties affecting his recent standings.
Russell acknowledged the allure of Verstappen, labeling him as "one of the GOATs." Still, he emphasized the importance of proving his worth, stating, "I’ve done that time and time again… so I’ve got no concerns."
Mercedes appears to be keeping its options open as it formulates its strategy for the 2025 season, balancing between nurturing its current talent and considering high-profile prospects like Verstappen.
