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F1 legend Juan Pablo Montoya has questioned whether or not Mercedes even must signal Max Verstappen amid George Russell’s spectacular kind.
Russell returned to profitable methods final day trip on the Canadian Grand Prix to present Mercedes their first win of F1 2025.
Russell managed the race from pole place and beat Verstappen to the victory.
The previous Williams driver’s kind has been spectacular, placing him within the dialog as the very best driver of the yr to this point.
Nonetheless, regardless of his robust performances, he’s nonetheless and not using a contract for subsequent yr.
Russell’s Mercedes contract runs out on the finish of 2025 – and so they’ve but to present him an extension.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has insisted that he needs to stay with Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Wolff expressed critical curiosity in Verstappen final yr as he wanted a Lewis Hamilton alternative.
Verstappen is assumed to have an exit clause in his contract, which may make him accessible to the Brackley based mostly outfit.
Montoya puzzled by Mercedes state of affairs
In latest weeks, the hearsay mill has been despatched into overdrive.
Russell has been linked with Aston Martin, whereas Fernando Alonso was rumoured to be in talks with Alpine over a 3rd stint at Enstone.
Chatting with CasinoHawks, Montoya gave his view on the Russell-Mercedes state of affairs.
“George actually is near competing for the championship,” Montoya mentioned. “He’s there. So, the query for me is, has he signed once more with Mercedes? And if he has signed, why hasn’t it been introduced? What’s Mercedes ready for?
“Are they ready to see how the Max state of affairs unfolds at Pink Bull? For instance you carry Max in. Do you eliminate George, or do you eliminate Kimi? That’s a tricky resolution.
“When you’re Mercedes, are you keen to danger all of it and rely at this level on Antonelli, watching the best way George is driving each week? Would you give away George?
“I do not care how a lot time and money they placed on Antonelli, it is not a simple resolution.
“At this level, does Mercedes really want Max? Profitable in Canada is an enormous factor for him.
“It would not shock me if we go to Austria or Silverstone and George will get introduced with a brand new deal. Russell could depart Mercedes if Verstappen joins.”
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