Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok fears George Russell profitable the world championship in 2026 is probably not sufficient to safe a long-term future with Mercedes.
Forward of the 2025 F1 United States Grand Prix, Mercedes has introduced new contracts for Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Toto Wolff insisted he had no intention of protecting both driver, however there was uncertainty given Mercedes’ curiosity in signing Max Verstappen.
Wolff “flirted” with the concept of signing the four-time world champion, however admitted he has since regretted it.
This meant prolonged contract negotiations, particularly with Russell.
Mr Russell needed safety for the settlement past 2026 and a discount within the variety of media-related actions he could be required to take part in.
Russell may even be inspired by rumors within the paddock that counsel Mercedes might win the championship once more subsequent 12 months when new technical laws apply.
Chandok warns Russell
At Ted Kravitz’s Podbook in Austin, Chandhok suggested Russell that he wanted to “take possession of the contract course of.”
Russell is at present underneath management as a consequence of Wolff’s lengthy affiliation with Mercedes’ junior program, having joined in 2017.
Requested if the 2026 F1 title would safe his future in Mercedes F1, Chandhok replied: “Why not? Frank Williams did it 4 occasions. Frank Williams misplaced 4 world championships.”
“For me, this complete expertise shouldn’t be a crimson gentle, however a sort of orange gentle, not less than for George, that it is time to separate his administration from his race group.
george russell
“It put him within the passenger seat of this complete course of. He was dragged out. In impact, TOTO has been negotiating this deal on either side of the desk.”
“And actually, if Max is a candidate in ’27 and he’s a candidate for that seat in ’27, I feel George has to spend the following 12 months taking management of his personal future.”
“He must take management of his personal contracting course of, his personal decision-making course of, and likewise perceive what is going on on in the remainder of the market. As a result of so long as Mercedes is managing him, why would they do this?”
“He wants to grasp, is there an choice to go to Aston in 2027? Is there an choice to Ferrari? Who is aware of what the Honda energy unit can be. Possibly that is the place to go, Audi. Or perhaps Pink Bull Ford.”
