George Russell could issue ultimatum to Mercedes

Guenther Steiner, the erstwhile brag of Haas, believes that the 27-year-old George Russell could instrumentality power of the negotiations with Mercedes. He believes the British operator could contented an ultimatum to his squad if the concern is not cleared up soon. Steiner warns that Alpine, which is undergoing restructuring, could respond and effort to bring him successful if negotiations get complicated.

Russell's declaration with Mercedes expires astatine the extremity of 2025, and though some helium and Toto Wolff person repeatedly said that "there is nary uncertainty that an statement volition beryllium reached", the signature has not yet been made. 

Wolff told Sky Sports F1: "Well, we're precise close. Something similar that," adding that it was astir the last details.

Reversal

Steiner thinks Russell present has the perfect accidental to amusement determination and capitalize connected his form. Speaking connected The Red Flags podcast, helium said: 

"I deliberation for George, fixed the signifier he's in, it would beryllium good if helium decided to play hard. If helium does, somebody's going to privation him. And we were conscionable talking astir Alpine - possibly they say, 'hey, if you're successful the market...' due to the fact that everybody wants a operator of that caliber successful their car."

He adds that the Briton, adjacent if helium withdraws from negotiations for a moment, would beryllium a people for different teams: 

"Of course, astir teams are full, but idiosyncratic volition find a solution. If helium is brave capable and decides to instrumentality a risk, thing could happen. I deliberation that astatine the infinitesimal some of them - helium and Mercedes - person a small country to maneuver, but George inactive has more. Because who would they enactment successful his spot anyway."

Steiner's comments travel aft Russell drove 1 of his champion races successful Singapore to instrumentality his 2nd triumph of the season. Toto Wolff tried to calm the concern by saying: 

"When it comes to contracts, sometimes bully things instrumentality longer. It's astir the details, not the large issues."

Russell is presently 4th successful the standings with 237 points, conscionable 36 down Max Verstappen. Mercedes has nary existent alternative, with Antonelli not yet acceptable for a starring relation and the escaped operator marketplace for 2026 astir empty.

Steiner summed it up succinctly: "George is successful vocation signifier now. If helium wants to dictate terms, present is the time."