George Russell faces tough Mercedes contract call as Max Verstappen links grow

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George Russell’s Mercedes contract has dominated discussions behind the scenes in Formula 1 over the past few weeks, with a number of drivers out of contract at the end of 2025.

Toto Wolff’s hopes of completing a move for Max Verstappen are hanging in the balance again, with the Dutchman having previously been expected to join Formula 1’s most successful team in May before backtracking.

Verstappen is a four-time Drivers’ Championship winner but has grown increasingly disillusioned at Red Bull. Reports say Wolff sees him as the ideal partner for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whose inclusion could also offer a more balanced wage structure.

And there are suggestions that Mercedes are attempting to “devalue” Russell during contract negotiations.

Mercedes demand George Russell to ask for less money

Speaking on the Pit Pass F1 Podcast ahead of the British Grand Prix, journalist Julianne Cerasoli said, “I think with George Russell, I think everybody wants George Russell to ask for less money.

“For Toto Wolff and Mercedes, with the negotiations, the British journalists were saying that they expect George Russell to receive a new proposal from Mercedes next week or anytime between this Grand Prix and the next one in Belgium, there is a little bit of a gap there.

“I think negotiations will go back to George’s side, at least for next year’s contract, in the next few days.

“But everybody seems to be trying to devalue George Russell, who has been having a very good season at the moment.”

In Red Bull’s case, Christian Horner has signalled that Russell is the preferred choice if Verstappen leaves – a situation that still feels distant.

• READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton has highlighted the risk Max Verstappen would face by leaving Red Bull

Max Verstappen comments on George Russell relationship amid Mercedes links

There are doubts over whether Verstappen and Russell could work together at Mercedes, with their relationship marked by a few heated exchanges. However, the Dutchman recently insisted that things are ‘all good’ between them.

“We have our moments on the track, but it’s all good. We speak. We just leave that behind, at least from my side. You just continue racing. I’m not someone who holds a grudge.”

Russell – who has won in Britain, Spain and Austria – is only 9 points behind Verstappen, who has picked up three wins in Canada, Azerbaijan and Portugal.