Steiner Discusses Russell’s Contract Negotiations with Mercedes
Former Haas Formula 1 principal Guenther Steiner believes that George Russell holds significant leverage in the ongoing discussions about a seat for the 2026 season at Mercedes.
The British driver has been part of the Mercedes F1 team since 2022 and was a junior driver for them since 2017. Despite his two grand prix victories this year in Canada and Singapore, along with leading the team alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Russell has yet to finalize a contract for 2026.
While both Russell and team principal Toto Wolff are optimistic about reaching an agreement soon, Steiner indicated potential hurdles in the negotiations. He expressed confidence that Russell would secure a contract, suggesting that if it isn’t with Mercedes, other options would be available. However, Russell is keen on negotiating favorable terms that reflect his worth.
“Last year, there were concerns about Lewis potentially leaving the team. George proved he could step up and now he’s leveraging that success in negotiations. It appears he seeks more than just a one-year contract,” Steiner commented on The Red Flags Podcast.
As rumors swirled earlier in the 2025 season about four-time champion Max Verstappen possibly moving to Mercedes, Wolff confirmed discussions. However, Verstappen, under contract with Red Bull until 2028, has committed to remaining with Red Bull, but left the door open for a move in 2027.
Steiner speculated that Wolff may be contemplating a one-year deal for Russell, considering Verstappen’s potential availability in the future. This situation creates a dilemma for Russell, who wants stability, as he currently outperforms within the team, putting him in a strong negotiating position.
Steiner noted that while Russell’s leverage may not be vast, he has valid reasons for expecting a solid contract. “Mercedes seeks championship success, and they lack suitable alternatives for Russell should he not sign for next year. His strongest bargaining chip lies in the fact that there’s no one else to fill his seat,” he remarked, reinforcing the stakes for both the driver and team.
