George Russell topped FP1 in Austria
Chandhok tells Russell why he should be annoyed depsite prospects of the best car
13:20, 28 Jun
Updated: 13:37, 28 Jun
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George Russell has stepped up this season at Mercedes and taken control of the team as a leader.
The British driver took the chequered flag last time out in Canada to take his first win of the year.
He has also looked assured and not shied away from being a team leader, as teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli learns during his rookie year.
Russell is yet to sign a contract for next year, and rumours continue to swirl around four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Sky Sports pundit Karun Chandhok feels the Mercedes driver should feel slightly aggrieved to not yet have a contract for 2026.
George Russell won last time out in Canada
Chandhok tells Russell he "should be annoyed"
He said in commentary for Sky Sports F1: "But if Mercedes think they can get Verstappen for 2027, then that has an impact. Does Russell just sign a one-year deal to be honest, if I was him, you'd still take that because the Mercedes power... Well, also the Mercedes power unit could be the one to have next year. And suddenly, you could land a set of circumstances.
"It puts you as a favourite for the World Championship next year. But it's tough. It's a tough call to make. The only thing is, if I was George, I'd be a bit annoyed because he's driving superbly this season.
"He's nine two up in qualifying to Antonelli. Okay, Antonelli is a rookie. I get that. But he's still nine to up in qualifying. He's finished on the podium in five out of the 10 Grand Prix."
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