Montoya puzzled as Mercedes keeps contract-less Russell in limbo while courting Verstappen

14:00, 21 Jun

byTobia Elia

Juan Pablo Montoya has expressed confusion over Toto Wolff’s current approach to the driver market, with Mercedes maintaining active interest in Max Verstappen while their in-form George Russell remains without a contract for 2026.

Russell or Verstappen alongside Kimi Antonelli in 2026? That’s the dilemma Toto Wolff faces ahead of next season, when new technical regulations come into effect and Mercedes aims to return to its dominant role, just like in 2014.

For over a year, Wolff has been courting Verstappen, but while the Dutchman chose to continue his journey with Red Bull in 2024, his future remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the Austrian finds himself with an exceptional talent in George Russell, who is already delivering outstanding performances — yet his contract still expires at the end of the season.

The Briton recently won the Canadian Grand Prix, but this has not yet secured his future at Mercedes. His current contract ends in late 2025, and so far, no new deal has been announced.

Montoya baffled by Mercedes' strategy

“George has actually been in a bad mood ever since he entered Formula 1,” Montoya told AS Colombia when commenting on Russell's edgy contract situation.

“He joined a team that was used to winning, but just at a time when it wasn't happening anymore. That was tough for him, but he has developed well and has done a good job so far.”

“The problem now is that he still doesn't have a contract. After that victory, you would think it was already sorted. He and Max are the two most sought-after drivers without long-term certainty.”

Max Verstappen and George Russell

Although Verstappen is formally committed to Red Bull until 2028 and has stated he will stay with Red Bull next year, there is much speculation about an early exit — something Mercedes, according to Montoya, is eagerly capitalizing on: “Max technically has a contract, but George is the most wanted driver in the field who currently doesn’t have a contract.”

This makes Russell, according to Montoya, vulnerable to a potential attempt by Red Bull to back their shoulders: "So if you look at it that way, Red Bull could come in with a lot of money to cover themselves in case Max leaves''.

This only applies if Verstappen were to leave, because a Verstappen–Russell duo at Red Bull, according to Montoya, is not on the cards: "Would he go to Red Bull to work with Max? I would say: absolutely not."

A switch from Verstappen to Mercedes also doesn't seem logical to him: "Personally, I think, looking at Toto and Mercedes at this moment, that you don't really need Max there."