15/04/2025 18:55
George Russell has been one of the stand-out performers over the
opening four rounds of the F1 season, and appears to be edging ever
closer to a contract extension with Mercedes. The British driver
has taken a clear step forward this term and has been the hallmark
of consistency for the Brackley-based squad. Not only has he
seamlessly assumed the role of team leader, he has claimed three
podium finished in the first four grands prix and sits just 14
points adrift of drivers' championship leader Lando Norris. Team
principal Toto Wolff has spoken glowingly about the 27-year-old on
numerous occasions this term, including after the Bahrain Grand
Prix when Russell somehow carried his "wounded" W16 across the line
in second place and ahead of the aforementioned McLaren driver, in
faster machinery. However, and although the three-time grand prix
winner is reportedly close to signing a 2+1 deal to stay with
Mercedes, his existing contract currently expires at the end of the
season and there remains the looming threat of Max Verstappen.
Wolff has long been an admirer of the Dutchman and said on
countless times in the past how much he would like to sign him,
even contending that its a partnership that has to happen at some
point in the future. That time could be coming. The four-time F1
drivers' champion appears increasingly frustrated with Red Bull's
declining powers and has been persistently linked with Mercedes
over the past year - in large part Wolff's doing. Verstappen is, in
many ways, the one who got away for the Austrian, having slipped
through his fingers a decade ago. The 53-year-old will not be
willing to let that happen to teenage star Kimi Antonelli, who is
enjoying an impressive start to life in F1, which means if anyone
is to make way, it is surely Russell. Do you think Mercedes should
retain George Russell? Let us know in the comments and by voting
below in the latest poll by RacingNews365 .
