Mercedes could now make it very difficult for George Russell to swap teams in 2027 amid Alpine links

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George Russell’s future at Mercedes is suddenly becoming uncertain, but his management could make an exit unlikely.

Despite links to Max Verstappen for 2026, Mercedes retained the Brit alongside his teammate Kimi Antonelli. However, the Silver Arrows did not announce the length of the new contracts.

It emerged that Toto Wolff wanted to insert a clause in Russell’s contract that required him to beat Antonelli in the standings, or he would be ousted. After seven races in 2026, the 28-year-old is 50 points behind his Italian teammate.

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George Russell’s Mercedes management could make any move difficult

Russell has been struggling to extract performance from the W17 under the new regulations, and Mercedes’ reliability problems have not helped either. But Antonelli is feeling more at home in the car, winning five consecutive races between China and Monaco.

The situation could get worse, as Russell is not meeting his performance clause. It is understood that the Brit has a 1+1 deal, allowing Mercedes to move him on in 2027 if his results do not improve.

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Russell has been linked with Alpine for 2027, with Franco Colapinto being out of contract at the end of 2026. However, a move away from Mercedes might be difficult, as journalist Roberto Chinchero notes.

The 28-year-old is managed by Mercedes, which could create a complicated situation if Wolff decides to make a change in his driver line-up.

Chinchero said via Motorsport.com Italia: “Russell’s scenario is the worst thing that can happen to a driver when the young driver ahead of you arrives. That’s the worst, that is, the worst thing that can happen to you.

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“Well, it’s not just me saying this; if you look at the history of Formula 1, that’s how it is. When a young driver comes along who’s naturally stronger, in the end the more experienced driver has to move on. It’s always been that way.

“In my opinion, Russell is still a Mercedes driver, and by Mercedes I mean that his management is part of the Mercedes programme, so his management is in Mercedes’ hands; therefore, I don’t think he can change teams so suddenly.

“But it would certainly be a blow, one of those blows that could even take a turn for the worse in your career, that if Kimi were to win the world championship, because he was everyone’s favourite.”