George Russell told to sign one-year Mercedes deal as rival F1 team could offer him big-money 2027 contract

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Mercedes driver George Russell will be starting to understand how Carlos Sainz felt last season.

Last year, Carlos Sainz discovered that he would be replaced by George Russell’s old Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton before the season even started.

Sainz produced the drive of his life at the Mexico City Grand Prix, but by then, he knew that he was already destined for the midfield team Williams.

Russell has been under the same microscope this year, with Mercedes showing a serious interest in signing Max Verstappen.

It looked as if Mercedes were willing to replace Russell with Verstappen if a deal could be negotiated, with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli continuing on the other side of the garage.

However, in all likelihood, the Dutchman looks set to continue at Red Bull for at least one more season, while Russell is edging closer to a Mercedes contract renewal.

Like Sainz before, Russell was doing an exceptional job, but his future appeared to be out of his hands.

His victory at the Canadian Grand Prix was sensational, and he’s yet to be beaten by Antonelli in a race.

Journalist Gerard Bos and pundit Jeroen Bleekemolen were discussing Russell’s future, and surmised that he should potentially only sign a short-term deal with the Silver Arrows, as a far bigger contract could be on the horizon elsewhere in the paddock.

READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height

George Russell told Cadillac could make a huge contract offer to sign him in 2027

Bos was speaking on the Paddockpraat Podcast and while discussing Russell’s future, he said: “That’s going to be interesting.

“What do you do if you’re Toto Wolff? You want to keep Russell, but you also don’t want to lose Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

“And you don’t want to close the door on Verstappen in 2027. So, do you give Russell a one-year contract with an option for another year? Then you’re being flexible. But Russell, of course, wants more security.”

Bleekemolen replied: “He’s not going to get a multi-year deal. Maybe you could negotiate more money for a shorter contract. A substantial sum might be the solution. And perhaps it would be wise for Russell to just wait another year and see how the relationship between the teams develops.”

Bos then said: “Then I’d go for a one-year contract with Mercedes, with a lot of money. Just take the gamble.”

Bleekemolen concluded: “A multi-year project with Cadillac could be great, especially financially. But Mercedes is still a top team. And with the new regulations coming in 2026, I would stay.”

READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers

Cadillac considering their 2026 F1 line-up with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez in contention

The upcoming summer break is the perfect time for Cadillac to secure their first driver ahead of their maiden Formula 1 campaign.

Team principal Graeme Lowdon has been prioritising other areas up to this point, but the sooner they sign a driver, the sooner they can help with the direction of the car’s development or begin working in the simulator.

Valtteri Bottas has been linked with Cadillac, although the American team might face competition for the Finn’s signature.

There have been suggestions that Bottas could replace Franco Colapinto at Alpine this season, which would give the 35-year-old a serious conundrum.

On the other side of the garage, Cadillac are considering whether to sign Sergio Perez after he was axed by Red Bull last year.

The Mexican would bring sponsorship backing, a huge fanbase and experience, while the struggles of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda alongside Max Verstappen this season are only enhancing his reputation.

However, if a driver of Russell’s calibre made themselves available to Cadillac, they would need to seriously consider bringing him in.

If Verstappen wants to make the switch to Mercedes for 2027, then all of a sudden, bringing in Russell becomes a legitimate possibility.