Will Russell seek to protect his Mercedes future from Verstappen?

12:21, 13 Sep

byNorberto Mujica

Nico Rosberg does not believe George Russell needs to push for a so-called “Max Verstappen clause” in his next Mercedes contract.

Max Verstappen and George Russell in parc ferme. Credit: Race Pictures

"George has a lot of power, obviously, and he can take it all the way to: ‘Well, then I just stay home for a year.’”

- Nico Rosberg on Sky Sports' The F1 Show podcast

Russell’s contract remains unsigned, which prompted Sky F1 commentator David Croft to ask Rosberg if a Verstappen-related escape clause could be part of the talks with team boss Toto Wolff.

Rosberg suggested Russell’s focus will be elsewhere. “I don’t know if that’s necessary now. That’s a difficult one,” he said on Sky Sports F1.

“I think he has much other challenges, in wanting to get a salary higher and his [sponsor] days lower… probably George will be working on the bonuses – not on his base salary, because that’s a bit more painful.

“But he will say: ‘Toto, come on, if we’re winning together and I’m on such a low salary, just at least give me higher bonuses or something like that.’ I think those would be the kind of points where George is just hanging out.

“Because George has a lot of power, obviously, and he can take it all the way to: ‘Well, then I just stay home for a year.’”

Speculation around Russell’s future has grown in recent weeks. While Max Verstappen confirmed at the end of July that he will stay with Red Bull until at least 2026, Russell has not yet agreed new terms with Mercedes.

This has led to believe that the Briton now holds all the cards in the contract negotiations with Mercedes, having proven his worth at the German team time and time again this season, and having no opposition to contest his seat.

Expert Martin Brundle recently said that Mercedes' interest in Verstappen had indeed left Russell 'quite bruised, after rumours resurfaced earlier this season, with the British Mercedes driver being the one who blew the lid open on the story in Austria.

George Russellll and Max Verstappen celebrating on the Canadian GP podium

Max Verstappen and George Russell following the F1 Grand Prix of Canada. Credits: Race Pictures

Russell and Mercedes in lengthy negotiations over F1 contract

Asof now, Russell has said he is quite cool about his contract renewal negotiations with Mercedes. The British driver has alluded to some details that still need to be agreed upon.

Previously, Rosberg had revealed that the amount of sponsor days might have been a part of the decision by Lewis Hamilton to leave Mercedes for Ferrari.

As of now, if Mercedes want to have a confirmed and reliable top driver in its ranks, they will have to find a way to get Russell to put pen to paper.