David Croft reveals what he’s ‘heard’ about George Russell’s Mercedes future after Hungarian Grand Prix podium

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McLaren continued their domination of the 2025 Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, but they were joined on the grid by Mercedes star George Russell.

After Charles Leclerc took pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix, it looked like he was set to join both McLaren drivers on the podium after maintaining the lead at the start of the race.

However, Leclerc quickly started complaining about an issue during the second half of the race, when it became clear he wouldn’t catch the one-stopping Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri had no trouble passing him during the closing stages of the race.

It meant that Mercedes driver George Russell suddenly had the opportunity to nick the final spot on the podium.

Russell accused Leclerc of moving under braking going into the opening corner on his first attempt at trying to overtake him, and he wasn’t happy on the team radio.

He was furious on the following lap, as even though he got the move done, Leclerc was overly aggressive in his defence and picked up a five-second penalty.

Norris was quick to praise Piastri after the race as their battle played out in the closing moments, Russell was simply relishing a sixth podium finish of the season.

Russell is said to be close to signing a new Mercedes contract, but commentator David Croft shared immediately after the race what he’d heard about the negotiations going on between the four-time race winner and Toto Wolff’s team.

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David Croft has ‘heard’ that George Russell’s Mercedes contract renewal is now in his hands

Croft was speaking to Martin Brundle after the race for Sky Sports F1 (3/8, 3:44 pm) about Russell after another strong performance.

Croft said: “This man, the fastest lap of the race for George Russell, I’m sure he will be delighted with a podium there.

“For Max Verstappen, he was never really in the race.”

Brundle replied: “Verstappen’s nailed on at Red Bull as we knew he would be, so, George is now, you know what, I’ll give my Mercedes contract a little bit more thought. I might want the M&Ms without the green ones in my dressing room.”

Croft then explained: “The ball’s in George’s court, I’m told on that one.

“[The] ball’s in George’s court, they’ve had discussions and he’ll go away and have a think about it during the summer.

“But, I’m led to believe that no announcement from Brackley on that before the summer break.”

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George Russell responds when asked about his Mercedes contract renewal

After the race, Russell was asked about whether his Mercedes contract renewal was in his hands.

He said: “I mean, I don’t think today was anything different to what I’ve shown throughout my career, really.

“I know what I’m capable of, and I’m going to be honest, I’m going straight on holiday tonight, I’m going to do 10 days off.”

Asked if he wants to make Wolff sweat, he retorted: “No, I mean he’s got nothing to be worried about, I’ve got nothing to be worried about.

“Nothing’s going to happen over the summer because I think everyone just wants to have a rest and recharge and come back stronger for the second half of the year.

“There’s no time pressure either way now, so it’s a when, not if. I’m 27 now, I’ve been with the team for four years, next year would be my fifth.

“We’re going to build a relationship together, but it’s got to be right. And I don’t want to rush it.

“I’ve been waiting 12 months, I’m not going to just rush it over the course of two weeks. We’ll sit down when the time is right.”

It’s now a case of who will be Russell’s teammate, and presumably nothing unexpected will happen over the coming weeks.

Kimi Antonelli is expected to be alongside Russell in 2026, and while he’ll be happy he recovered to finish in the points on Sunday, the summer break can’t come soon enough for the young Italian.