Martin Brundle shares his new theory for George Russell’s ‘unusual’ contract delay at Mercedes

George Russell is edging closer to the end of his contract at Mercedes. A product of the team’s driver academy, he signed a two-year extension during the 2023 season.

Since stepping up from Williams to Mercedes in 2022, Russell has won three races, bagged five pole positions and scored 17 podiums. He outscored seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in two of their three seasons as teammates.

And following Hamilton’s departure, Russell has assuredly stepped up into a team leader role. Kimi Antonelli may have taken Sprint pole for the Miami Grand Prix, but the Englishman had been the lead Mercedes in every competitive session before that.

He’s also the only driver on the grid with a 100% top-five record, a testament to his consistency. Having marked himself out as one of the sport’s elite, it’s a surprise that his future is still unresolved.

Mercedes have been consistently linked with world champion Max Verstappen. Should he activate an exit clause in his contract for 2026, Toto Wolff would face an almighty dilemma.

Martin Brundle suspects Mercedes want to hold George Russell’s feet ‘to the fire’

Speaking on Sky Sports‘ coverage of the Miami GP, Martin Brundle described Russell’s situation as ‘unusual’. McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri recently penned renewals long before their deals ended.

Russell says Mercedes are continuing their Hamilton-era contract policy. And Brundle acknowledges that ‘everybody seems quite calm’ about the situation.

He wonders if the team are trying to motivate the 27-year-old with the delay. The slight danger of losing his seat may be bringing out his best form.

“Mercedes say, ‘We are his management as well as his employer and we’ll sort it out later in the year’,” Brundle said.

“It would put his mind to rest, I’m sure, if he had a contract. A driver of his stature would normally be signed up well before the last few months of a contract. That’s just a fact.

“Everybody seems quite calm about it. I think it’s unusual… maybe they want to hold his feet to the fire a little bit.”

Red Bull have made a decision about signing George Russell for 2026

Russell has held ‘informal chats’ with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner over a potential move. But his priority will surely be to stay put.

Indeed, the word in F1 is that Mercedes have the advantage for 2026. Russell may be foregoing a dominant car if he leaves.

It’s been suggested that Wolff is reluctant to grant Russell’s salary demands. He wants a comparable wage to compatriot Norris.

Red Bull will only make Russell an offer if Verstappen leaves, effectively setting up a driver swap. The former F2 champion explosively clashed with the Dutchman last year, rendering a partnership untenable.