Juan Pablo Montoya feels sorry for F1 driver who’s been in a ‘bad mood’ for the last six years

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As the 2025 Formula 1 season edges closer to the summer break, the championship fight is beginning to open up.

Oscar Piastri has extended his lead in the standings to 22 points over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. The Brit has fallen behind after the pair collided at the Canadian GP, forcing him to retire from the race in the final few laps.

Aston Martin sim driver Daniel Juncadella says Norris is ‘getting worse and worse’ as mistakes in qualifying and his racecraft are proving costly for the 25-year-old. He is facing increased pressure from Max Verstappen and George Russell behind.

The latter secured his and Mercedes’ first win of the season in Montreal and became the first driver besides the McLarens and Verstappen to take victory in 2025. It was a perfect weekend for the Brit as he secured pole position and was mostly unchallenged in the Grand Prix.

Many would assume that his win in Canada would take him one step closer to securing his future. Russell is out of contract at Mercedes in 2025, and Juan Pablo Montoya cannot help but feel sorry for the 27-year-old.

Juan Pablo Montoya feels sorry for George Russell amid Mercedes contract uncertainty

Now in his seventh season in F1, Russell joined Mercedes at a difficult point. After three years at Williams, he came in to replace Valtteri Bottas in 2022, just as the Silver Arrows began to regress in the ground effect era.

Speaking via AS Colombia, Montoya says Russell has been in a ‘bad mood’ as he has found it difficult to find competitive performance. He would have assumed that Mercedes would have secured his future after his latest victory.

“George has been in a bad mood since he entered F1 because he joined Mercedes that went from winning everything to not winning,” he said.

“So it was a bit sad and difficult for him, but he’s matured a lot and has done a good job. Now the problem is that at this point, George still doesn’t have a contract.

“Personally, after this win, I would assume that they would have signed him by now and would secure it for him, because he and Max are probably the two most desired people without a contract.

“Max, theoretically, he has a contract, but George is the most desired person in the field, who at this moment I would say doesn’t have a contract.

“So, if you look at it that way, Red Bull could come with a lot of money to secure themselves in case Max leaves. He wants to go work with Red Bull and with Max? I would say 100% no.

“Personally, regarding Toto right now, I do not think you need Max with Mercedes as it is right now.”

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

Where does George Russell’s future lie in F1 amid Red Bull and Aston Martin links?

Mercedes are yet to commit to Russell or teammate Kimi Antonelli beyond 2025. Toto Wolff has been interested in Verstappen for some time and could look to sign the Dutchman if he finds a way out of Red Bull.

A Red Bull insider says Mercedes will ‘ruin’ Antonelli if they decide to sign Verstappen. But there is a chance that the Italian’s teammate could be on the way out.

Christian Horner has held informal chats with Russell in case Red Bull have to replace Verstappen. Aston Martin have also been interested in the Mercedes driver as they weigh up their options for 2026.

Russell’s camp may be trying to force contract talks with Mercedes by using Aston Martin’s links. Despite the interest, Russell is fully focused on Mercedes and intends to stay with the Brackley outfit.