Montoya: Mercedes has no need for Max – they’ve got Russell

In a Formula 1 season brimming with twists, George Russell has emerged as a beacon of brilliance for Mercedes, prompting former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya to declare that the team has no need for Max Verstappen in the future. 

Russell’s stellar performance in Singapore last time out solidified his status as one of the sport’s elite, with the Briton now fourth in the Drivers’ standings despite Mercedes’ car trailing the front-runners.

His second win of the season and fifth overall showcased a driver ready to lead, fueling debates about Mercedes’ future driver lineup.

Yet, despite his undeniable form, Russell’s contract for 2026 remains unsigned, with negotiations now stretching into the closing rounds of the 2025 season.

Behind the scenes, Mercedes’ leadership – led by Toto Wolff – insists that the delay is down to mere details. But Montoya clearly believes the longer they wait, the more they risk undermining their own strategy and elevating Russell beyond mere negotiation leverage.

The Contract Hang-Up

Despite his momentum, Russell’s contract situation remains unresolved. After Singapore, Wolff responded to questions about his future with measured caution.

“Contract-wise, good things take a way,” he said. “It’s about the detail – and it’s not about the big topics.”

The Mercedes chief described Russell’s season as “formidable,” adding that while there have been weekends where Russell felt he could have done more, “this happens with any driver.”

For his part, Russell has urged patience: “Things have to be done right… Every time you renew a contract, it’s the most important one of your life and it has to be done with good care.”

Wolff echoed that sentiment, saying both parties were working on the fine print and that the announcement would come “soon enough.”

What complicates matters is that earlier this year, Mercedes explored the possibility of acquiring Verstappen, which arguably put the brakes on locking Russell into a long-term deal.

With Verstappen having since reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull, Russell’s status internally has grown only stronger – but the shadow of those earlier machinations still lingers.

Montoya: Why Verstappen Isn’t Needed

Montoya is unequivocal in his view of Russell’s current situation with Mercedes.

"I don't know what Toto is thinking, but what George is showing is that they don't need Max because they've already got someone,” he said on the MontoyAS podcast.

"They've got Russell, who could be just as good as Max in the future. So all this is really showing is — he's basically saying, 'yes, we need to secure someone for the future. This is the person.'

"And the way he's performing, he's forcing Mercedes' hand to the point where they'll have to say, 'whatever he wants, we’re going to have to give it to him'.”

"He's won two races this year with a car that, in theory, wasn't capable of winning."

The delay in Russell’s contract, while frustrating, hasn’t dimmed his focus. With the 2026 driver market expected to heat up, his sensational form ensures he’ll have options if Mercedes hesitates too long.

For now, Russell’s performances are a compelling argument for Montoya’s belief that Mercedes already has its star.

As Wolff navigates the Verstappen question, Russell’s on-track brilliance is making one thing clear: the Silver Arrows’ future may already be in their garage.

Read also: Russell opens up on key transformation fueling his success

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