Russell Felt Undervalued Amid Mercedes' Verstappen Pursuit

George Russell has revealed he felt "unappreciated" and "taken for granted" by Mercedes during the period the team was actively pursuing Max Verstappen for a 2026 drive. The contract delay, which left his future uncertain while Toto Wolff explored other options, motivated Russell to prove his worth on track. He responded with a stellar season, securing two race wins and establishing himself as the de facto team leader following Lewis Hamilton's departure.

Why it matters:

This situation highlights the delicate, business-driven relationship between a team and its drivers, where loyalty can be tested by strategic opportunities. Russell's ability to compartmentalize off-track distractions and deliver peak performance under immense pressure underscores the mental fortitude required to be a top-tier driver and a potential future world champion. For Mercedes, securing Russell's long-term commitment was crucial for team stability, especially with a rookie teammate and a major regulation change on the horizon in 2026.

The details:

• The Verstappen Chase: Mercedes boss Toto Wolff held talks with Max Verstappen early in the 2024 season, leaving Russell's contract extension in limbo until the Dutchman officially ruled out a move.
• Feeling Undervalued: Russell stated, "You're appreciated if you think you're getting your worth, and you feel unappreciated if you're not." He felt this directly during the negotiation period, which was only resolved when his new deal was signed just before the U.S. Grand Prix.
• Performance Under Pressure: Despite the uncertainty, Russell delivered one of his best seasons.
  • He secured two victories in Canada and Singapore, with his Singapore win coming during the peak of the contract negotiations.
  • He finished 4th in the championship with nine podiums, often outperforming the car's perceived potential.
• Mental Confirmation: Russell used the experience as a test, stating his performance in Singapore confirmed his ability to block out external noise. "When I'm in the car, it doesn't matter what's going on in my personal life. It doesn't really affect me," he explained.

What's next:

With his contract secured and the Verstappen chapter closed, Russell is now firmly established as Mercedes' team leader heading into a pivotal 2026 season with new regulations. His proven ability to handle pressure will be invaluable as he guides the team through the transition and mentors rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli. The episode, while frustrating, ultimately strengthened Russell's position within the team and showcased the mental resilience required to compete at the highest level of motorsport.