George Russell said negotiations for a new Mercedes contract were on hold and admitted that Max Verstappen is “always on the radar” at the Silver Arrows

George Russell is out of contract at the end of this year but neither he nor Mercedes have been in a rush to put pen to paper on an extension, causing intrigue in the F1 paddock

George Russell has revealed that contract talks with Mercedes have been put on hold as the team have ‘bigger fish to fry’ in their hunt for more performance. The Brit also admitted that he understands why the Silver Arrows will be keeping an eye on Max Verstappen as a potential alternative for 2026.