Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes George Russell currently holds the upper hand in his 2026 Mercedes contract discussions. The British racer, a part of Mercedes since 2022, has yet to ink a deal beyond 2025 despite a standout season marked by victories in Canada and Singapore.
A Mercedes junior since 2017, Russell has become a reliable leader for the Brackley team with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Both Toto Wolff and Russell remain optimistic about finalizing a deal soon, but Steiner hinted at factors delaying the agreement.
“He will get one [a contract]. I mean, if he doesn’t get it with Mercedes, he gets it somewhere else. But obviously, George knows what he’s worth, and I would say he doesn’t want Mercedes’ terms. He wants to do the best for him,” Steiner explained on The Red Flags Podcast.
Russell’s Rise and Mercedes’ Predicament
According to Steiner, Russell’s consistent performances since Lewis Hamilton’s departure have strengthened his position during negotiations.
“Everybody was scared last year. ‘Oh, Lewis is leaving. Do you think George can take the lead of the team?’ No s**t. He did pretty good, and now he’s waiting for a contract. So, I think he just tries to negotiate the best terms for him, and I guess he wants more than a one-year contract.”
Earlier this year, rumors linked Max Verstappen with a potential move to Mercedes for 2026, but the reigning world champion confirmed his commitment to Red Bull until 2028, while leaving the door slightly open for 2027. Steiner believes this uncertainty could be influencing Mercedes’ strategy.
“I guess Toto is playing at give him one year, so if Max comes free or Max wants to leave Red Bull, I got a place for Max and my love child, Kimi Antonelli. And obviously, George is saying that doesn’t work for me. That’s not my ideal situation. And in the moment, who is performing? George. So, he’s in a pretty good position to negotiate.”
Mercedes’ Lack of Alternatives Gives Russell Power
Steiner noted that Mercedes’ limited driver options for 2026 have given Russell a crucial advantage.
“But think about it, Mercedes is even in a tougher place. Who would they put in there if he doesn’t sign a one-year contract? And that is his leverage because Mercedes would be, you know, who they put in there?
“I mean there is nobody available because Mercedes needs to fight for world championships. It’s not like a midfield team, where you take whatever the best you can get for the money you’ve got. Mercedes, if they are participating in F1, they want to win the world championship. They’re not here to participate. They are here to win. So who else is there than George?”
He added that Russell’s demand for a multi-year commitment makes sense, given how the market might evolve in 2027.
“So I think that is his leverage that Mercedes has no other option. That’s for next year, and that is his play. ‘I want more than next year’ because in ’27 if, for example, just hypothetical Max decides Red Bull isn’t good enough for me. I want to go to Mercedes. Obviously, then George would have the chance to go to Red Bull. But at that stage, Red Bull has got all the leverage over George that if you want our seat, and we don’t know how good or how bad the Red Bull will be anyway in ’27, but they have got the leverage, where else would you go? So I think in the moment, the biggest leverage for George is that Mercedes has nobody else to go in the car next year.”
A Long Partnership Still Built on Trust
Despite the delayed announcement, Steiner dismissed any suggestion of tension between Wolff and Russell, stressing that their relationship remains respectful and professional.
“I think Toto and George know each other for so long, so well, because I mean we never have to forget Toto got George into Formula 1. It was Toto. We need to respect that one as well. So I think it is just a negotiation. I don’t think it is tense between them. Obviously, sometimes their conversations will be pretty tough, but I think George’s manager, who I don’t know who that is in the moment, will take the lead in it. So, you’re not confrontational with another team member.”
As Mercedes prepares for the new era of Formula 1 in 2026, Russell’s impressive leadership and results make him essential to the team’s long-term vision. With few viable alternatives, the power balance in these talks appears to lean firmly in Russell’s favor.
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