Aggressive Negotiations: George Russell Doesn't Want To Be Locked Down By Mercedes
It seems George Russell is keeping his options open and so doesn't want to be locked down by Mercedes for multiple seasons. Now that speculation about Max Verstappen going to Mercedes for next season has been shown as erroneous, one would think Russell would be eager to get a multi-year contract with the team locked down.Instead, as stability seems to be a thing of the past in Formula One, Russell is embracing it, probably thinking it will play to his advantage. After all, he's probably nearing his peak performance capabilities as a driver and with the 2026 season rule changes coming, might want to see how things shake out.
"I think drivers who are chasing long-term deals feel they need that security,' he told Motorsport.com. 'I've never had a long-term deal, and I don't need a long-term deal, because it should always be about performance. And if I'm not performing, the team shouldn't be tied in with me. That's as simple as that."
Russsell went on to admit that the talks with Verstappen made him 'at risk' as he did not 'have huge power' as negotiations are were ongoing with the Dutch driver. Because Verstappen could exit his Red Bull contract at the end of the 2026 season, it's still possible Russell would get the boot from Mercedes.
It seems things are about to get even more interesting in F1 as drivers could be shuffled around rapidly in preparation for the 2027 season. That could mean some might disappear from the series completely, some new faces might emerge, and countless opportunities might be created in the ensuing chaos.
If nothing else, that kind of shakeup could make F1 even more interesting to watch.
Image via Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team/Facebook
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Bayern Munich legend takes swipe at Luis Diaz after Liverpool transfer exit
Lothar Matthaus was blunt with his verdict on Bayern Munich's acquisition of Luis Diaz as he said the Colombian was originally not Bayern's first-choice attacking transfer target. Diaz secured an $88 million transfer to the Bavarian giant last week, becoming the club's third most-expensive signing of all time after Harry Kane and Lucas Hernandez. However, despite the lofty fee he commanded, it is common knowledge that Bayern had its sights set elsewhere when the window started. The German champion was eager to make Florian Wirtz its marquee signing, but the 22-year-old opted to join Liverpool instead — a decision which came as something of a surprise given Bayern's track record of hoovering up all the best German talent. READ MORE: Florian Wirtz just unlocked $81M Liverpool ace as exciting new Arne Slot plan becomes clear READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Benjamin Sesko wait, Alexander Isak boost, Darwin Nunez bid Wirtz's move to Liverpool, combined with Leroy Sane's departure, left Bayern in need of an attacking addition. Nico Williams of Athletic Club, Bradley Barcola of PSG, and Jamie Gittens — who joined Chelsea earlier in the window — were all on Bayern's radar but did not move for one reason or another. Ultimately, Diaz ended up as Bayern's main attacking target for the summer, and there will be plenty of pressure on him to deliver in Bavaria next season. "Diaz is a good player, but he wasn't the first choice for this position," Matthaus told Sky. "We also received rejections, and Max Eberl (Bayern sporting director) mustn't forget that. "You can't just sit back and relax in your job anyway. There are still things you'd like to do, both on one side and the other." Diaz made his first appearance for his new club as he came on as a half-time substitute during Bayern's 2-1 victory over Lyon in a friendly at the Allianz Arena. Despite not scoring or assisting during his 45-minute cameo, Diaz was pleased with his performance for Vincent Kompany's side. "I'll get used to the team bit by bit," Diaz said. "I think I personally had a good game. I had chances to score, but hopefully I'll score next time. "My first impressions are incredible. I'm very happy and feeling well in my first few days here. I'll need a bit of time to integrate and get to know my teammates so I can help the team better."
Yahoo
7 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Emergency services descend on major route near Manchester city centre after BMW crash
There was a massive emergency service response after a crash on the city centre ring road tonight (Tuesday, August 5). Trinity Way in Salford was shut off heading towards the city centre after the crash which was said to involve just one car. Pictures from the scene showed a BMW with its front end embedded into a lamppost. READ MORE: Mum 'traumatised' after dog walker pushes her in canal as she cycled to work READ MORE: 'I never thought for one minute the fire service could do that to my house' Police, rescue specialists from the fire service, and paramedics all attended the scene. Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here One person was taken to hospital by ambulance, it has been confirmed. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: 'At just after 8.10pm today (Tuesday 5 August), fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Trinity Way, Salford. 'One fire engine from Blackley Community Fire Station and the technical response unit from Ashton quickly attended the incident which involved one vehicle. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE 'One person was assessed at the scene and then conveyed to hospital by North West Ambulance Service. 'Firefighters made the area safe before departing after approximately 45 minutes at the scene.' Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been approached for further details. One motorist said they had 'never seen so many emergency response vehicles.' They said they were left stuck on nearby East Ordsall Lane for almost an hour. -- For the latest stories and breaking news visit Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.
Yahoo
7 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Aston Villa targets young Spanish fullback from Barcelona
Aston Villa targets young Spanish fullback from Barcelona originally appeared on The Sporting News During Barcelona's summer pre-season tour of Asia, manager Hansi Flick has shifted his lineup to comply with La Liga's registration limits, which may leave a couple players, such as 19-year old fullback Hector Fort, searching for playing time elsewhere. When FCB starting centerback Pau Cubarsi went down with an injury in the waning minutes of the club's friendly against Deagu FC, Fort was chosen to fill his spot in the lineup, though he's usually deployed as a proper fullback. In all, Fort accumulated just over 45 minutes of action during the pre-season, and he's at a crucial age where gaining on-field experience is of paramount importance. This has led to the possibility of Fort leaving Barcelona on loan, and several major clubs have shown interest. As of late, however, Aston Villa of the English Premier League has extended overtures to the young Spanish defender in hopes of securing his transfer on a permanent deal. According to Barcelona reporter Lucia Font, Villa have placed a 15 million Euro evaluation on the steady-passing fullback and will be progressing towards a transfer in the coming days. With Barcelona's affinity for injecting youth into its lineup, Fort featured in 17 matches last season with five starts to his credit. During that time, Fort ranked as one of the most accurate defenders in all of La Liga, checking in at the 98th percentile for passes completed and passing accuracy per 90 minutes. After Barcelona's 5-0 rout of Daegu FC on Aug. 4, Flick offered an encouraging message about Fort's development, though he did not indicate what the fullback's future would hold. 'I'm happy with what I saw from Hector Fort,' Flick told Football Espana. 'He trained well and played well the other day. Asia has been a very important part of the preseason for me, and there are ten more days left before we play against Mallorca.' READ MORE: Girona on verge of selling leftback Miguel Gutierrez to Napoli Making his way to the La Masia academy in Barcelona over a decade ago, Fort has long stood as a promising prospect within the FCB system, but an opportunity to play regular football in the Premier League could be a favorable proposition for the 19-year old defender. For more information on La Liga and each of its 20 first division clubs, follow @EricJRutter and @sportingnews on X for continued football coverage.
