14/04/2025 20:15
George Russell is reported to be on the brink of signing a new
contract with Mercedes. Russell is enjoying his best start to an F1
season, claiming three podiums from the opening four races, notably
finishing as runner-up in Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix, holding off
McLaren's Lando Norris, despite technical issues with his W15. It
resulted in Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praising Russell for
his "unbelievable" performance, crossing the line 15 seconds behind
Oscar Piastri in his McLaren to leave him fourth in the drivers'
standings, 14 points behind Norris. Out of contract at the end of
the year, Wolff recently stated that he did not see an issue in
re-signing Russell, and the duo appear close to fulfilling that
claim. The Italian arm of Motorsport.com is reporting that Russell
will put pen to paper on a two-year extension - with the option for
a third - worth an estimated $30 million a year. This would leave
Mercedes with one seat available for 2026 as rookie star Kimi
Antonelli only has a deal through to the end of this year. It seems
unthinkable, though, that Wolff will not retain the highly rated
Italian after deciding to put his faith in the 18-year-old last
year in opting for him as the replacement for seven-time F1
champion Lewis Hamilton. With new deals almost certain for both
drivers, it would close the door on an escape route for Red Bull's
Max Verstappen, who has long been linked with a move to the German
manufacturer.
