Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok believes George Russell ought to settle for a short-term Mercedes deal to make sure he has a shot on the title subsequent yr.
The massive speaking level within the F1 paddock on the Austrian Grand Prix is Mercedes’ driver line-up subsequent yr.
Russell revealed in an interview with Sky Sports activities that talks are ongoing between Mercedes and Max Verstappen.
Whereas Max Verstappen’s Crimson Bull contract expires on the finish of 2028, it’s believed his present deal has an exit clause that would see him depart the workforce early.
Because of this, Mercedes are exploring the potential for signing Verstappen.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has stored his playing cards to his chest, suggesting any talks with Verstappen aren’t nearly 2026 however the long run.
Russell, who, together with Verstappen, has been a standout performer this yr, hasn’t been bothered by the hypothesis and stays assured of being on the grid subsequent yr.
Wolff has publicly expressed curiosity within the four-time champion as he needed Verstappen as a doable alternative for Lewis Hamilton.
Chandhok’s recommendation for Russell
2026 will see new technical guidelines come into play with important adjustments to the facility models.
Many groups count on Mercedes to be the workforce to beat in 2026, probably giving George Russell his first title shot if he’s given a brand new contract.
Whereas Chandhok thinks it’s pure for Russell to be “irritated” by the rumours, he ought to decide to Mercedes even when they offer him a shorter deal.
“But when Mercedes assume they will get Verstappen for 2027, then that has an influence,” Chandhok mentioned.
“Does Russell simply signal a one-year deal to be sincere, if I used to be him, you’d nonetheless take that as a result of the Mercedes energy… Nicely, additionally the Mercedes energy unit might be the one to have subsequent yr. And all of the sudden, you can land a set of circumstances.
“It places you as a favorite for the World Championship subsequent yr. However it’s robust. It’s a troublesome name to make. The one factor is, if I used to be George, I’d be a bit irritated as a result of he’s driving beautifully this season.
“He’s 9 two up in qualifying to Antonelli. Okay, Antonelli is a rookie. I get that. However he’s nonetheless 9 to up in qualifying. He’s completed on the rostrum in 5 out of the ten Grand Prix.”
