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Mercedes ‘out of options’ over George Russell contract negotiations
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Mercedes must offer George Russell a long-term contract, despite potential interest in Max Verstappen for 2027. Russell’s strong performances in 2025, including two race wins, have put him in a promising position. Both Russell and teammate Kimi Antonelli are currently without contracts for 2026. Mercedes had been pursuing Verstappen earlier in the year, but he opted to stay with Red Bull for 2026. Herbert emphasizes that Russell deserves a multi-year deal due to his impressive skills, even though the team may have eyes on Verstappen for the future. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has repeatedly stated that Russell and Antonelli will remain in the team for 2026, but official contracts have not been signed yet. Russell’s ties to the Mercedes driver academy and his strong performances make him a valuable asset for the team.
