George Russell has said that ‘hitting the metrics’ in regards to his contract situation with Mercedes will ensure his future with the team, likely blocking any possible move by Max Verstappen to join the Formula 1 title leaders.
The Silver Arrows have hit the ground running this season, with victories in all three Grands Prix, as well as the one Sprint held so far.
Its W17 has been the class of the field, with Russell taking victory in the opening round in Australia, followed by Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s two successes in Shanghai and Suzuka.
It leaves Antonelli leading the Drivers’ Championship, with Russell second, and the German marque comfortably leading the Constructors’ title.
Verstappen, by comparison, has endured a torrid start to the year so far, with poor results, discontent with the new regulations, and the impending loss of his Red Bull race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren.
2025 saw hot rumours of talks with Toto Wolff about a potential move, which notably left Russell under threat of losing his drive, and its 2026 dominance will ensure further speculation that Verstappen could attempt the move again.
But speaking to media, including Motorsport Week, Russell indicated that the deal he renewed towards the end of last season – along with Antonelli – guarantees his status as a Mercedes driver for a while longer.
“Yeah, it is pretty much that you hit the metrics and move on,” he said.
“So I will be here next year with the team, and there is not really much more to say.
“It is a multi-year deal, it is numerous years as we said last year.
“Often in a lot of these contracts, even if the metrics are not hit, if things are happy, then you continue.
“But as I said, the metrics will very likely be hit.”
Russell and Verstappen have shared a tumultuous rivalry previously and this will no doubt put a smile on the Brit’s face, but he will need to be on his game with Antonelli now proving to be a worthy challenger to threaten his championship favourite status.
READ MORE – Kimi Antonelli tipped to hold crucial advantage over George Russell
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