How committed are Mercedes to Russell and vice versa?

Villeneuve believes Russell’s frustration with contract delays, despite assurances by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff that a new deal is a mere formality, has left the relationship uncertain; meanwhile, he continues to deliver results for the team and sets a lofty benchmark for his rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli..

The Canadian said in his review after the Baku race: “George Russell is very good. Out of all the other drivers, he’s the one that’s always showing consistency in getting the result. He’s matured a lot. He doesn’t seem to be making the mistakes he used to make. This season he’s really maximising the points he can get with that team and that car.

“It sounds like Mercedes are committed to George, and now it’s him who doesn’t want to commit anymore. Because he was annoyed that he had to wait. The thing is, who else would Mercedes sign? There’s no one available. On the other hand, there’s no team available for Russell either. So, it’s a pointless battle right now," Villeneuve reckoned.

He stressed that the looming question of Max Verstappen’s future dictates the market: “That’s the key because everyone knows that Max has one year to go at Red Bull. So, anyone that’s not under contract for 2027 is at risk. It’s that simple.”

Russell has been linked with a long-term Mercedes renewal, but the delay has raised speculation about his options beyond 2026. His drive to P2 in Baku impressed Villeneuve. In contrast, he felt that despite Antonelli’s P4 in Baku, JV believes the Italian still has much to prove.

The Canadian motorsport legend continued: “George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are both Toto Wolff’s proteges. Antonelli seems to be more so than Russell, because he’s the newest project. You have to understand that Mercedes has invested a lot in those drivers from a young age. And when you’re really deep into an investment, it’s really hard to let go. You try to find ways to make sure that the investment becomes positive and profitable.

“Also, there’s feelings involved. It’s like family and it’s hard to make those decisions. It’s hard to see straight when it’s family. Russell has shown that he can be there in the fight, there’s no doubt there. Antonelli still needs to show it.”

Villeneuve was clear that Antonelli’s performance in Baku fell short: “He got a P4 this weekend, which is a good result. But he spent the whole race ahead of Russell and in the end, he finished a way back. It’s still not on the right level because it should have been a P2 and 3 in that race. Antonelli still has to step up. That’s all. He’s not a bad driver, but he still needs to step up.”

With Verstappen closing in on the McLaren duo in the 2025 F1 world championship title race after back-to-back wins at Monza and Baku, Mercedes now face their own balancing act between Russell’s proven consistency and Antonelli’s development curve.