Steiner Supports Russell: “His Contract Should Be Extended”

Former Haas Boss Says Mercedes Should Commit to George Russell for the Long Haul

It’s not often you hear a Formula 1 team principal — past or present — call for a “lifetime contract” for a driver. But when Guenther Steiner speaks, it’s usually worth listening. The former Haas team boss, never shy about sharing his opinion, has made it crystal clear where he stands on George Russell’s future: Mercedes should lock him in for years to come.

Russell’s current deal with the Brackley outfit runs until the end of the 2025 season, which means negotiations will soon start to dominate headlines. Yet Steiner believes there’s no need for drawn-out speculation — in his mind, the 26-year-old Brit has already proved he’s the man to lead Mercedes into the next era of Formula 1.

A Contract Clock Ticking in Brackley

Mercedes finds itself in an unusual position: neither of its current drivers has a contract beyond 2025. Alongside Russell, rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli is also unsigned for 2026. While the team is expected to secure both drivers before next season is in full swing, the situation has naturally fuelled rumours.

Earlier this summer, whispers of Mercedes holding exploratory talks with Max Verstappen added an extra layer of intrigue — and perhaps tension — around Russell’s future. But Verstappen was quick to shut those stories down, reaffirming his commitment to Red Bull and leaving the path clear for Russell to negotiate without the shadow of the reigning champion looming over him.

Russell’s Quiet Confidence

Guenther Steiner, Miami Grand Prix Ambassador

Russell himself has never seemed rattled by the contract chatter. In fact, he’s been consistent in saying that staying with Mercedes isn’t a question of if, but when. And that confidence isn’t unfounded. Since Lewis Hamilton’s sensational move to Ferrari, Russell has stepped up as the team’s de facto leader.

Even with Mercedes wrestling with performance issues during the European leg of the season, he’s delivered results. Six podium finishes so far, including an impressive third place in Hungary after outpacing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, have only reinforced his status as the team’s anchor.

Steiner’s Verdict: “Give Him a Lifetime Contract”

Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, Steiner didn’t mince his words.

“He deserves it. He’s doing a good job, he leads the team, he knows everything,” Steiner said. “He knows what Ferrari is doing in Hungary and he knows what the engineers need to do.”

While his suggestion of a “lifetime contract” was delivered with a touch of humour, the sentiment behind it was serious. In Steiner’s eyes, Russell has proven himself not just as a quick driver, but as a complete package — a competitor who understands the intricacies of race strategy, team dynamics, and car development.

“No, joking aside, his contract should be extended. He’s doing a good job,” he added.

Why Mercedes Needs Russell Now

For Steiner, the logic is straightforward: if Mercedes wants to win a world championship in the short term, Russell is essential.

“If they want to win a world title now, they need George,” he said. “Because Kimi is not performing as they expected. I know that because Kimi is in his first year.”

It’s not a criticism of Antonelli — few rookies are expected to perform at championship level from day one. But Steiner’s point is clear: a title challenge requires two strong drivers, and while Antonelli is still learning, Russell is already there.

“If they want to win a world championship now with Kimi or even Max Verstappen, they won’t be able to do it,” Steiner continued. “They need two good drivers, and George is a good driver who is doing a good job.”

Leadership Beyond the Cockpit

Russell’s value to Mercedes isn’t just about lap times. Since joining the team full-time in 2022, he’s developed a reputation for being deeply engaged with the technical side of the sport. Engineers praise his feedback; strategists trust his judgement.

He’s also proven himself as a stabilising presence in a transitional period. Losing a seven-time world champion like Hamilton could have destabilised the team, but Russell has stepped into that leadership void with quiet authority.

The Bigger Picture: 2026 and Beyond

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The 2026 season will usher in a new era of F1 regulations, and Mercedes will need stability as they adapt to fresh challenges in car design and power unit development. Locking Russell into a long-term deal would give the team a proven leader to guide them through that transition.

From a driver’s perspective, Russell is also in a strong position. Other top teams are unlikely to have vacancies until 2027 or later, meaning Mercedes is realistically his best bet for chasing a first world championship in the near term.

A Driver in His Prime

At 26, Russell is entering what should be the peak years of his career. His junior résumé — Formula 2 champion, Formula 3 champion — promised a future star, and his performances at Williams and Mercedes have confirmed it. The question now is whether he can turn podiums into wins and wins into a title.

For Steiner, the answer is yes — but only if Mercedes give him the tools to do so. And securing him with a multi-year contract is the first step in that process.

A Mercedes Without Russell? Unthinkable, Says Steiner

While F1 is no stranger to shock driver moves, the idea of Mercedes parting ways with Russell any time soon feels implausible. Steiner sees him as integral to the team’s ambitions, especially with Antonelli still finding his feet.

The former Haas boss knows a thing or two about driver development, having nurtured talents like Kevin Magnussen, Mick Schumacher, and Romain Grosjean through challenging seasons. His endorsement of Russell carries weight, even if delivered in his trademark blunt style.

Final Thoughts: Stability is Key

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, stability at the top of a team’s driver lineup can make the difference between contention and mediocrity. Mercedes has the resources, the pedigree, and in George Russell, a driver capable of carrying them back to the summit.

Steiner’s message is simple: don’t overthink it. Get the contract signed, make it long-term, and let Russell get on with the job of chasing down Red Bull.

As the sport edges closer to the 2026 regulation changes, Mercedes will need all the consistency and leadership they can muster. And if you believe Guenther Steiner — and many in the paddock do — George Russell is exactly the man to provide it.