Source: REUTERS/Yves Herman
[Saba Sports News] During the media day of the Belgian Grand Prix, George Russell confirmed that he has not signed any new contract with Mercedes. With less than half a year until the end of the 2025 F1 season, Russell’s future remains unclear. Originally, a new agreement was expected to be finalized before the summer break, but Russell admitted, “It’s not realistic to finish negotiations within two weeks. Negotiations are still ongoing, and the details haven’t been finalized. The hope of staying is still there, but nothing is on paper.” There had been some speculation that Max Verstappen might replace Russell at Mercedes, but the current situation has changed. Verstappen seems unlikely to leave Red Bull, which gives Russell more room to negotiate his renewal. Nonetheless, the Canadian race winner still chose to stay calm, saying he wasn’t in a hurry and that everything would take its natural course. However, beneath the surface, it’s clear that Russell’s position is far from secure. His contract expires at the end of the year, and although he has deep ties with Mercedes, his fate lies in Toto Wolff’s hands. Fortunately, Russell is in good form, currently ranking fourth in the driver standings, behind Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and Verstappen. In the view of the editor, Russell’s stable performance in the first half of the season is his biggest bargaining chip in negotiations with Mercedes.