02/07/2025 14:40
Martin Brundle believes George Russell is "nervous" as speculation
linking Max Verstappen with a stunning switch to Mercedes
intensifies. Russell is out of contract with Mercedes at the end
of this season, and despite both boss Toto Wolff publicly stating a
new deal should not be difficult to sign, Russell is no closer to
agreeing fresh terms. The Briton believes this could be down to the
fact that Wolff has long been keen to sign Verstappen, with major
uncertainty around his future with Red Bull. Verstappen's contract
expires at the end of 2028, but his contract is known to feature a
break clause where, if he is not in the top three in the drivers'
championship by the summer, he can leave for 2026. Heading into the
British GP, Verstappen is third on 155 points, with Russell,
ironically, being his nearest challenger on 146, just nine behind.
Red Bull has insisted that the four-time champion will be at the
team next season, but Verstappen himself has not explicitly stated
that this will be the case, as Brundle observed that "something is
up." "I think George Russell is nervous and he's ringing around a
little bit," Brundle told Sky Sports F1. "There is no smoke
without fire, and if you were going to 2026, it is a massive
change, the biggest ever in Formula 1 for the chassis and power
units. "You'd guess Mercedes would be there or thereabouts as well,
but can Max get out of his contract? "Something is up."
