Even with all the noise surrounding Red Bull Racing after the British Grand Prix, George Russell still doesn’t know where he’ll be racing beyond this season.
He’s currently the highest-placed driver in the championship without a deal signed for 2026.
Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have long-term deals with McLaren, but Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull isn’t so clear-cut.
This uncertainty is part of what makes Russell’s situation so tricky. Mercedes are reportedly interested in Verstappen if he becomes available, which could complicate things further for Russell.
How Christian Horner’s exit from Red Bull will affect Verstappen remains to be seen. But it certainly adds another layer of uncertainty to Russell’s position at Mercedes.
According to Lawrence Barretto on Formula 1’s official website, Verstappen leaving Red Bull in 2026 now seems ‘increasingly unlikely’.
But even if that move doesn’t happen, there’s no guarantee that things will fall into place for Russell during his current contract talks with Mercedes.
Mercedes and George Russell remain apart not just on salary, but also on contract length
During a recent episode of the F1 Nation Podcast, journalists Diego Mejia and Tom Clarkson took a closer look at the situation George Russell finds himself in.
Mejia explained: “I don’t know how much of this is George trying to get the deal that he feels is right for him and the deal that he deserves.
“There are many angles to it, I guess, not only the money, I think, but not being in a position like Lewis was when he signed his last deal with Mercedes and opened the door for him to leave to Ferrari.”
Clarkson replied: “I’m not sure it’s just financial, I think it’s the length of the deal.
“I think George doesn’t want a one plus one, he probably wants three fixed years, and Toto’s saying… I think they’ve reached a bit of an impasse there, maybe.
“But I still think he deserves better, I think he deserves whatever he wants. Quite frankly. I think George Russell is that good.”
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Mercedes could use Max Verstappen as leverage in contract negotiations
After the British Grand Prix, Mejia spoke again about Russell’s contract situation, this time on the Pit Pass Analysis podcast.
“In terms of Mercedes, Red Bull, Max and George,” he said. “It seems Christian Horner replied in a way that I can understand where he’s coming from to try to explain what’s going on.
“He puts it more to George not being where he thought he would be at this stage with Mercedes, and probably, I would read that as George not getting the offer he has been expecting from Mercedes.
“Not necessarily to do with the money, but more to do with the assurances of staying with the team long-term and that if the Mercedes engine proves to be the rocket ship that everybody has been talking about for a few months, that he is able to capitalise on that and really be a contender for the world championship for years to come as we enter this new set of regulations.”
The question now is whether there is still room for an agreement between Russell and Mercedes as negotiations continue.
Verstappen could end up being used by Mercedes as leverage in talks with Russell if they’re serious about bringing Verstappen in as their number-one driver. If that move happens though, Russell may find his options around the paddock shrinking quickly.
A direct swap might seem logical given Horner has spoken with Russell before. But whether that interest will remain now that Horner has left Red Bull is far less certain.
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