Source:REUTERS/Hollie Adams
[Saba Sports News] Recently, Max Verstappen officially drove a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo car under the Mercedes-AMG team name in an NLS2 event and took pole in qualifying. Mercedes-AMG boss Toto Wolff did not hide his delight, saying he was very happy to see Verstappen driving a Mercedes. The signal was clear: the two sides have built a bridge for cooperation. That has suddenly put George Russell’s future at Mercedes in unprecedented jeopardy.
Last October, when Mercedes finalized its driver line-up for 2026, it confirmed Russell would partner rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the new season. But one detail was not publicly disclosed at the time: the two contracts are worlds apart. Swiss outlet Blick reports Russell signed a 1+1 deal. The 2026 season is the guaranteed year, and the contract will only automatically extend into 2027 if he meets specific performance targets. It’s been reported his new annual pay is about $40 million — a hefty sum, but with strict conditions attached. Russell himself later acknowledged the clause, admitting the extension to 2027 depends on meeting the set targets. That creates the conditions for Verstappen’s possible move: if Russell fails to hit the required results this season, Verstappen could potentially replace him.