F1 legend Juan Pablo Montoya has questioned whether or not Mercedes even must signal Max Verstappen amid George Russell’s spectacular kind.
Russell returned to successful methods final day trip on the Canadian Grand Prix to present Mercedes their first win of F1 2025.
Russell managed the race from pole place and beat Verstappen to the victory.
The previous Williams driver’s kind has been spectacular, placing him within the dialog as the most effective driver of the yr up to now.
Nevertheless, regardless of his sturdy performances, he’s nonetheless with no contract for subsequent yr.
Russell’s Mercedes contract runs out on the finish of 2025 – and so they’ve but to present him an extension.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has insisted that he desires to stay with Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Wolff expressed severe curiosity in Verstappen final yr as he wanted a Lewis Hamilton alternative.
Verstappen is assumed to have an exit clause in his contract, which might make him out there to the Brackley primarily based outfit.
Montoya puzzled by Mercedes state of affairs
In latest weeks, the hearsay mill has been despatched into overdrive.
Russell has been linked with Aston Martin, whereas Fernando Alonso was rumoured to be in talks with Alpine over a 3rd stint at Enstone.
Talking to CasinoHawks, Montoya gave his view on the Russell-Mercedes state of affairs.
“George actually is near competing for the championship,” Montoya mentioned. “He’s there. So, the query for me is, has he signed once more with Mercedes? And if he has signed, why hasn’t it been introduced? What’s Mercedes ready for?
“Are they ready to see how the Max state of affairs unfolds at Purple Bull? As an example you carry Max in. Do you do away with George, or do you do away with Kimi? That’s a troublesome choice.
“When you’re Mercedes, are you keen to threat all of it and rely at this level on Antonelli, watching the best way George is driving each week? Would you give away George?
“I do not care how a lot time and money they placed on Antonelli, it is not a straightforward choice.
“At this level, does Mercedes really want Max? Successful in Canada is an enormous factor for him.
“It would not shock me if we go to Austria or Silverstone and George will get introduced with a brand new deal. Russell could go away Mercedes if Verstappen joins.”
