Montoya: Mercedes has no need for Max, they’ve got Russell

Juan Pablo Montoya, a former F1 driver, asserts that Mercedes has no need for Max Verstappen, citing George Russell’s brilliant performance in Singapore and his overall season. Russell, despite Mercedes’ car trailing front-runners, is fourth in the Drivers’ standings, reinforcing his status as a top-tier driver capable of leading the team. The delay in his 2026 contract, however, remains a point of contention and speculation.

Why it matters:

Mercedes' protracted contract negotiations with George Russell, amidst his stellar performance and a looming 2026 driver market, are creating uncertainty. Montoya's bold claim underscores Russell's rising value, potentially forcing Mercedes' hand to secure him long-term and signaling a shift in their strategic priorities for a post-Hamilton era.

The Details:

• Russell's Stellar Season: George Russell secured his second win of the season and fifth overall in Singapore, despite Mercedes’ car being considered less competitive than front-runners. His performance has propelled him to fourth in the Drivers' standings.
• Contractual Delays: Russell’s contract for 2026 remains unsigned, with negotiations extending into the latter half of the 2025 season. Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, describes the delay as being over “mere details” and not “big topics.”
• Russell's Perspective: Russell emphasizes the importance of getting the contract right, stating, “Every time you renew a contract, it’s the most important one of your life and it has to be done with good care.”
• Verstappen Factor: Mercedes had previously explored the possibility of acquiring Max Verstappen, which some believe may have slowed down the process of locking Russell into a long-term deal. Verstappen has since reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull.
• Montoya's Strong View: Juan Pablo Montoya stated on the MontoyAS podcast, "I don't know what Toto is thinking, but what George is showing is that they don't need Max because they've already got someone.” He added that Russell is “forcing Mercedes’ hand” to meet his demands due to his exceptional performance.
  • Montoya highlighted Russell’s two wins this year in a car that “wasn't capable of winning” in theory.

What's next:

As the 2026 driver market heats up, Russell's continued strong performances will likely put more pressure on Mercedes to finalize his contract. If Mercedes continues to hesitate, Russell’s options will expand, potentially leading to him exploring opportunities with other top teams. His current form makes a compelling case for Mercedes to secure their future with the talent already in their garage.