Mercedes make contract offer, Max Verstappen leaves Red Bull – George Russell’s ideal scenario

George Russell is the face of Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari, however the British driver is out of contract on the finish of the 2025 F1 season

George Russell is gearing as much as be the main man at Mercedes for the 2025 season as Lewis Hamilton makes his blockbuster transfer to Ferrari.

Final 12 months, ending because the sixth-highest level scorer within the last 12 races, Russell is poised to workforce up with teen sensation Kimi Antonelli in a daring cost for the World Championship crown. With three F1 wins within the bag and fuelled by the chance rising from Hamilton’s vacant function at Mercedes, the highlight now turns to Russell.

Ought to issues not pan out this season, Russell will undoubtedly be on the lookout for contemporary alternatives that would bolster his racing profession. However what might unfold this time period for Russell? Right here, we now have checked out how issues might pan out.

Max Verstappen joins Aston Martin

There have been rumours that Max Verstappen might observe F1 design skilled Adrian Newey to Aston Martin after he confirmed his departure from Crimson Bull Racing in September 2024.

Aston Martin revealed that Newey, who is about to start out his new job in March, was impressed with its amenities, and this “proved a decisive issue within the decision-making course of.” Verstappen leaving Crimson Bull would open up a possible spot for Russell, given his contract with Mercedes ends in 2025.

4-time World Champion Verstappen would additionally reunite with the genius behind his success at Crimson Bull. Nonetheless, based on Planet F1, Aston Martin has “categorically denied” any buzz concerning the Dutch-Belgian driver becoming a member of its ranks, provided that Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso are already a part of the workforce.

Christian Horner steals Russell from Mercedes

Crimson Bull is already scouting for contemporary expertise to headline its roster if Verstappen waves goodbye, and boss Christian Horner appears fairly taken by Russell.

Talking to Sky Sports activities, Horner stated: “We have a niche now however we simply need to take time to contemplate what do these choices seem like for the long run. And we’re not afraid to exit of the pool. You recognize, George Russell is out of contract on the finish of subsequent 12 months. It will be silly to not take that into consideration.”

Regardless of signing an extension in 2023 to change into Mercedes’ front-runner post-Hamilton till 2026, Russell’s phrases expire on the finish of the 2025 season. Given the stir round Verstappen’s potential exit, it will not be a shock if Horner makes his transfer for the proficient Russell.

Mercedes ties Russell to long-term deal

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff was removed from impressed with Christian Horner’s cheeky name-check of Russell, hinting that the Silver Arrows is likely to be eager to safe their star driver with a contemporary contract.

Following Horner’s remarks on the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, Wolff accused his rival of “stirring s*** up” and insisted that Russell is greater than content material along with his workforce.

He stated: “He’s all the time stirring s*** up on his half. It is a part of the sport. George is a Mercedes driver, has been perpetually and hopefully will likely be perpetually. He has a protracted contract with the workforce.”

The speak of a prolonged contract means that Mercedes is contemplating locking Russell in for the lengthy haul, though no official deal has been inked but. No matter choice Russell makes, he’ll undoubtedly have choices within the F1 paddock when his present Mercedes settlement ends subsequent 12 months.