Journalist Julianne Cerasoli was speaking on the Pit Pass F1 Podcast ahead of the British Grand Prix.
Discussing Russell’s potential new deal, Cerasoli said: “I think with George Russell, I think everybody wants George Russell to ask for less money.
“For Toto Wolff and Mercedes, with the negotiations, the British journalists were saying that they expect George Russell to receive a new proposal from Mercedes next week or anytime between this Grand Prix and the next one in Belgium, there is a little bit of a gap there.
“I think negotiations will go back to George’s side, at least for next year’s contract, in the next few days.
“But everybody seems to be trying to devalue George Russell, who has been having a very good season at the moment.”
Team principal Toto Wolff is in the position of power right now, with Russell having very few options outside of Mercedes if he has to move on should Verstappen join the Silver Arrows next year.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is ready to make an offer for Russell should Verstappen leave, but that scenario seems to be a long way off at this stage.
Yeah it’s clearly a money matter and once again, George should 100% not accept an offer that makes him feel devalued just because next season mercedes could “potentially” be the team with the better engine.
What is the point to take a shit deal when Mercedes still makes these kind of shit strategic choices after what, four? Five? Years of doing the same.
Engine is key, but not the whole deal. There are no guarantees mclaren won’t be the place to be next season.
and it seems to me like mercedes has been trying to cut corners, lately, to desperately find a way back to the top. And it just doesn’t work that way.
