George Russell's Strong Run Bolsters Mercedes Contract Hopes

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes George Russell's recent string of impressive performances, especially his dominant showing in Singapore, has put him in an exceptionally strong position to negotiate a new long-term deal with Mercedes.

Why it matters:

George Russell's future at Mercedes beyond 2025 is a key topic as the team navigates its driver lineup amid interest in other top talents like Max Verstappen. Securing Russell long-term would provide stability and a proven race-winner for Mercedes as the sport heads into a new regulatory era in 2026.

The Details:

• Contract Status: Russell currently does not have a contract for the 2026 F1 season, though his retention by Mercedes is widely anticipated.
• Negotiation Stance: RacingNews365 reports that Russell has turned down multiple offers from Mercedes as he aims for improved personal terms, indicating his confidence in his market value.
• Singapore Impact: Russell's pole position and subsequent fifth career victory in Singapore were standout performances, which Herbert believes significantly strengthened his bargaining power.
  • Herbert noted that Russell had already done enough to earn an extension before Singapore, but the win made it a "slam dunk."
• Performance Under Pressure: Herbert highlighted Russell's ability to "deliver" when the car is in its optimal operating window, even if it's not consistently the best on the grid. This demonstrates a "fantastic strength" that would make him valuable to any team in the paddock.
• Russell's Confidence: Herbert addressed Russell's perceived "overly confident" demeanor, clarifying that it's his way of expressing himself, not arrogance. He likened it to Max Verstappen's different, more "flippant" way of dealing with media.

What's next:

Johnny Herbert strongly advocates for Mercedes to offer Russell a new, long-term contract, deeming it "foolish" not to secure his services for the coming years. He emphasizes Russell's consistent delivery under pressure and his undeniable talent. With no apparent "other choice" for Mercedes in terms of a top-tier replacement who can perform immediately, locking Russell down appears to be the most logical move for the Silver Arrows' future.

Securing Russell for the long haul would signal Mercedes' commitment to their current talent and provide a clear direction for their driver lineup as they prepare for the significant technical changes arriving in 2026.