28/04/2025 09:15
George Russell believes there is an "abnormal" aspect to the F1
driver market, with so many drivers on long-term contracts. The
Mercedes driver is out of contract at the end of the season, with
Max Verstappen heavily-linked with a switch from Red Bull, although
boss Toto Wolff has hinted that Russell's performances will see him
land a fresh deal. A majority of the F1 field are on what are
known as "multi-year contracts", with Russell one of those needing
to renegotiate. Reflecting on the situation, the Briton felt that
it was an "abnormal" situation that so many drivers had long-term
deals, but that those drivers on such deals "maybe don't have as
much self-belief." "When Lewis was here, they never discussed the
contract prior to June (or) July," Russell told The Athletic. "It
was always the summer, the abnormal part is probably how many
drivers have signed so early [on long contracts]. "I feel a lot of
drivers who are so fixated on trying to secure their futures are
maybe ones who don't have as much self-belief in themselves and
feel the need to have that security. "The fact is, if you have a
contract and you don't perform, the team finds a way of getting rid
of you. Performance is our only currency. And if you perform, the
rest sorts itself out. "When people aren't satisfied, people want
change, so let's see next year. I think it'll be an interesting
summer."
