George Russell on the Verge of a Lucrative Multi-Year Deal with Mercedes
George Russell is reportedly nearing a significant multi-year contract with Mercedes that could see him earning up to £30 million annually. Negotiations have gained momentum in recent weeks, with only a few minor details left to finalize. Mercedes is eager to reach a conclusion before the summer break, but Russell’s team is carefully reviewing the terms of the new agreement before giving their approval.
One of the current points of contention is the extent of sponsorship commitments that Russell would need to fulfill. As Mercedes works to finalize the contract, they have acknowledged that Max Verstappen will likely remain with Red Bull through 2026. This shift in focus has now redirected their attention to solidifying their lineup with current drivers, including Russell.
Following the recent Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen holds a 28-point lead over Russell, making it impossible for him to trigger a release clause that would allow him to leave if he fell outside the top three by the summer break. While Verstappen and his teammate have collectively amassed 11 world championships, Russell’s tally of four Grand Prix victories doesn’t quite match their impressive records. Additionally, he currently lacks the global fanbase and commercial appeal that Verstappen and his peers bring to Formula 1 and their respective teams.
In the latest developments, Mercedes has initiated discussions with Russell regarding his sponsorship obligations. Reports indicate that while he has the option to reduce these commitments, doing so would result in a corresponding decrease in his salary. The proposed £30 million contract would align him with other successful drivers on the grid, such as Charles Leclerc from Ferrari and Lando Norris from McLaren, who are also on similar financial agreements.
This potential multi-year deal represents a strong vote of confidence from Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Despite being labeled a "horrible" negotiator by former driver Nico Rosberg, Wolff’s commitment to Russell suggests that the team sees a bright future with him. It remains to be seen what other opportunities might be available for Russell outside of Mercedes in the coming years, but for now, all eyes are on the impending contract finalization.
