Verstappen threat looms over Russell facing 'not stupid Red Bull' and 'Mercedes' poker face'

17:28, 24 Jun

Updated: 17:58, 24 Jun

byNorberto Mujica

Mercedes refraining from renewing George Russell's contract reveals the 'poker game' the Germans are playing with his star driver's future as 'not supid Red Bull' could very well end up Max Verstappen-less regardless.

With Russell's current form, being the fourth and most recent Grand Prix winner with his Canadian Grand Prix victory, it is hard to explain Mercedes not renewing his contract yet. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the Germans could be holding talks with Max Verstappen regarding a potential transfer to the Brackley-based team said former F1 champion Nico Rosberg to Sky Sports Deutschland.

“Red Bull is not stupid. They paid Max a fortune and signed him for several years. I don’t think he can just run away."

“But you can’t force him to stay. If he wants to leave, you have to accept it at some point."

“On the other hand, there is also the George Russell situation at Mercedes. There is some delay in it, because Toto Wolff should actually sign him now. This is his number one driver, his performance this season is mega again."

“Maybe there are some talks in the background with the Verstappen side.”

Max Veestappen and George Russell celebrating on the podium in Canada.

Glock believes Mercedes are playing 'poker' with Russell's future

For the former F1 driver, Mercedes are playing a game of poker with Russell's F1 future, but sees the Briton having a strong hand to fight for his tenure at the German team.

“At Mercedes there is no hurry. On the one hand, of course, you can play a bit of poker with each other."

“Russell is also someone who already has a lot of experience, performs well, and maybe also changed the numbers in his contract a bit and wants to earn more. This is a poker game."

“On the other hand, Mercedes keeps all doors open.”

GPblog does understand that whilst Veestappen does have a clause in his contract he can use to trigger an exit from Red Bull Racing, he does not intend to use it, thus laying his future with the Austrian outfit for the 2026 season.