Mercedes’ George Russell set tongues wagging this week by admitting he’d “pay to be a world champion.” It was half joke, half window into the pressure cooker he’s living in. His contract expires at the end of 2025, and he confirmed he’s in “no rush” to sign a new deal.
Why it matters: Russell is in play. Mercedes wants to keep him, Ferrari are watching, and Red Bull (minus Horner and soon Courtenay) might suddenly look vulnerable. He knows his value, and he’s leveraging it — with a line that’s equal parts desperation and ambition.
