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New York Times
3 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Why hasn't George Russell got a Mercedes F1 contract extension yet? It's overdue
George Russell's eyes narrowed under his flowing locks. His look hardened, steel glinting in what was left of his vision. This was the pre-event media day at the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix and I'd just asked what Russell made of critics who were then saying he makes too many mistakes under pressure. It was, after all, bellowed at certain Formula One TV viewers during the preceding race in Canada… There, as he did last weekend in Montreal, Russell had started on pole ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and brilliantly led the early stages. But as that wet race dried up, his rivals came back to him in a way they just didn't in 2025 — and mishaps followed. He went off, twice, and ill-advisedly turned with McLaren's Oscar Piastri well alongside at the track's final chicane. Advertisement In another 2025 parallel, Canada 2024 was Mercedes' first chance to nick a win against the season's run of form. Then, it went begging. 'I have no need to respond to those people (who say I crack under pressure),' Russell replied to me, before doing precisely that. 'I could drive one tenth off the pace for 70 laps in a row and I wouldn't make a single mistake. '(In) 2022 I didn't make a single mistake in the whole season (Mick Schumacher in Singapore that year would very much beg to differ), but I wasn't pushing myself the way I'm pushing myself now. 'I could drive one tenth off the pace, not make a single mistake, and it looks like a flawless race from the outside. But knowing within that I had a tenth on the table, I'd be kicking myself for not pushing myself to the limit. So, people can say what they want. I'm pushing myself above and beyond. And maybe overstretched slightly because I'm trying to…' Russell tailed off, so we'll return to the aftermath of his 2025 Canadian GP triumph. After all, he's achieved exactly what he was getting at this time a year ago. The 27-year-old has clearly made a step up from what were already high-level performances in that time. His tire management mastery won the 2024 Belgian GP before Russell was ultimately disqualified for his car being underweight. His tire warm-up work on Mercedes' cool-weather predilection sent him to Las Vegas glory. And at the start of 2025, he and Verstappen stand alone in how they've maximised car potential this term — bar the Spanish GP calamity moment from the Dutchman. How Russell saw off Lando Norris' McLaren even as his Mercedes was effectively shutting down around him in Bahrain shows how much better he's dealing with the pressure these days. That was again on display in the face of intense, race-long pressure from unquestionably F1's best driver of the current era in Montreal. And Russell aced it. Russell has made a point of standing up to Verstappen in the intervening time, too. Such an approach will make you a villain to Max's fans. And in his seven-and-a-half years on the grid, Russell has become a something of polarizing figure to F1's fractured fanbase. His honed public image is quintessentially British (enough alone to rub many fans up the wrong way). And a feeling pervades in the paddock that he just tries a bit too hard — illustrated by his post-qualifying interview quip about Verstappen's penalty points situation, but also in becoming a Grand Prix Drivers' Association director aged 23 and so wading forthrightly into many a public debate. Advertisement The flip side of the latter point is that Russell just wants to give back to F1 and its fans — very Sebastian Vettel-like in several ways. Now, there's a driver who didn't gain widespread F1 popularity until much later in his F1 career… Scenes such as Russell eviscerating his then-Williams squad after practice at the 2019 British GP, when he was but a rookie and captured by Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' cameras, play into how Russell is characterised. He demanded lots of those around him even before he made it to F1. As an aside, so does his 2019 Williams team-mate Robert Kubica, who'd made it quite the weekend for that former pairing by leading AF Corse's quasi-customer Ferrari Hypercar squad to a popular Le Mans 24 Hours victory earlier last Sunday. In an era when people crave authentic public personalities, it's worth reflecting that the Russell we see reflects the man himself. He tries hard outwardly because that is just his nature. Anyway, after all the penalty point(s)-making chat of last week, there was still one of F1's best races to win. He did so with aplomb overall. And yet, he's still without a Mercedes contract extension beyond 2025. Russell isn't talking to any other team. And he doesn't have to. If Toto Wolff does pull off the unlikely and lure Verstappen from Red Bull, a straight swap into the only other regularly front-running team with a free seat is Russell's best option. A switch to Aston Martin (as was rumored here this week) or the coming Cadillac squad would risk leaving Russell stranded in the midfield, or worse. The latest from Wolff on Russell's contract is that 'we're going to get there' — around 'triple-headers getting out of the way and one race after the other now in June and July'. The long-awaited extension is thought to be a formality in the paddock. An announcement at Russell's upcoming home race at Silverstone has a nice ring to it, but more likely it'll come ahead of F1's traditional August summer break. Advertisement That's if it does, though. Verstappen's ongoing uncertain Red Bull future is thought to be behind the delay. Given his position as F1's peloton patron — through sheer weight of success if nothing else — Verstappen remains a lucrative prospect for any team. And Wolff knows this well. He is privately convinced that with the right management, moments like the Monza 2021, Budapest 2024, Spain 2025 (I really could go on) red mist wouldn't have happened for Verstappen; that it's the fault of Red Bull/Christian Horner approach to driver management that it has already repeatedly occurred. But the point of no return has long passed. Verstappen is the force of F1 nature he is because of his life lessons to this point. He has achieved all he has because of it, too. Bringing him into a ship that Wolff hates being rocked is just too risky. It's far more logical to allow Russell to deliver his prime F1 years with Mercedes while Kimi Antonelli continues rising than to gamble Mercedes' current team harmony all on signing Max, brilliant as he is. And, thanks to Mercedes' many car weaknesses in this rules era, F1 actually doesn't know how good Russell ultimately might be. His peaks suggest he could be right up there with the best, now the mistakes of early 2024 are seemingly gone. Really, Mercedes has let Russell down with its car performance since promoting him from Williams for 2022. But now it can reward him with its faith for the future. And that might just include returning to title challenging come 2026 and the new engine formula. If that comes to pass, assessments of Russell's standing with F1 fans will reach a new level altogether. Like Verstappen, though, don't expect him to change. There's just too much inner steel.
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
George Russell criticised for targeting driver – 'It's an unnecessary comment'
Following his clash with Max Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix, Russell suggested there was only one other driver in the world who would make a similar move: Dan Ticktum George Russell has been criticised for his 'unnecessary' dig at Formula E driver Dan Ticktum. Following his on-track clash with Max Verstappen during the Spanish Grand Prix, Russell suggested during an interview that Ticktum was the only other driver in the world who would make a similar move. Knightsbridge-born Ticktum, 26, was banned for two years during his formative years for deliberately driving into a rival under safety car conditions. The move all but ended any chance of him driving in F1 and he has carried the weight of a 'bad boy' image throughout his career and he is now a staple in Formula E. But Ticktum, who returns to the track at FE's Jakarta race on Saturday morning, has won fans over in recent times and is amassing a supportive base of people who are appreciative of his honest nature. "My immediate reaction was, 'what the f*** are you doing' if I'm completely honest," said Ticktum. "I just thought it was a bit unnecessary. "I was just like, 'why?' It's just such an unnecessary comment. I don't know what he expected from it. I wasn't in his head at the time. I didn't hear how he said it and what was actually going on in his head. "It might have been in a totally jokey way, or it could have been on the more malicious side and he was just trying to unearth something and get Dan Ticktum hate bandwagon riled up. I don't know what his motives were. "Me and George, we're very different personalities. He's perfect for Mercedes, a big corporate brand, he says the right things all the time and is a bit of a 'good boy', let's say. I'm obviously the opposite. "I respect George massively for where he's got to in his career and what he's done. He's made it, so I just thought the whole thing was a bit unnecessary." Ticktum first addressed the comments on his Instagram channel following a team night out in Shanghai, where he had just completed a successful weekend, which included his second-best finish ever in Formula E. 'I'd had three or four beers on that walk back to the hotel,' Ticktum admits. 'I hadn't had too much to the point where I was going to say something where I was going to get cancelled, I knew that. 'I was just a creative level of drunk, if that makes sense. I just thought this is a perfect time to do a little video on the way back to the hotel, so that's what I did. 'It was one take and I just was like, yeah, I'm posting that, that's fine. I thought I addressed it in a relatively good way and I stand by what I said about taking a liking to Max. He's got quite polarising chat, but I think he's f****** brilliant, I really do. I like Max a lot. 'I often say he's probably the only guy in the world that would beat me more often than not. But yeah, the whole thing was just a bit unnecessary, and I don't want to unearth it again. It's done now and it's time for everyone to move on, I think.'
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Brad Pitt's Interaction With Driver at 'F1' Movie Premiere Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A moment between Brad Pitt and George Russell at the F1 The Movie premiere on Monday has gone viral on social media. Newsweek reached out to Pitt and Russell's representatives via email for comment on Tuesday. The Context Celebrities and Formula 1 (F1) drivers hit the red carpet on June 16 for the premiere of F1 The Movie in New York City. The film stars Pitt, Javier Bardem, Damson Idris and Kerry Condon. F1 drivers also set to make a cameo are Russell, four-time world champion Max Verstappen, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and more. Hamilton was a producer on the movie. Brad Pitt attends the world premiere of "F1 The Movie" in Times Square on June 16, 2025 in New York City. In the inset image, George Russell ahead of the F1 Spanish Grand Prix on... Brad Pitt attends the world premiere of "F1 The Movie" in Times Square on June 16, 2025 in New York City. In the inset image, George Russell ahead of the F1 Spanish Grand Prix on May 31, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Morefor Warner Bros. Pictures;What To Know Following the event, British racing driver Russell, 27, took to Instagram to share a playful exchange with Pitt, 61. "When you both turn up wearing the same salmon shirt...," Russell, who drives for Mercedes, captioned the video. "Awesome to be in NYC for the F1 Movie Premiere." In the clip, Pitt paused his interview with Sky to congratulate Russell, who won the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday. "Hold on, I'm sorry, but what a weekend, dude," Pitt said to him, as the pair shook hands and hugged. "Great drive, it was so fun to watch." "Thank you," Russell replied, before pointing out their "matching salmon shirts." "You texted," Pitt teased him of their coordinating outfits. At the time of publication, the post had racked up more than 4.2 million views, 200,000 likes and over 400 comments. Russell kept his Canadian Grand Prix win despite several protests from Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner. He claimed the U.K. native "heavily braked" behind the safety car and didn't leave an appropriate distance behind the vehicle. Following his win, Russell—who is currently fourth in the driver's championship with 136 points—said: "It's amazing to be back on the top step [of the podium]... We got the victory today probably due to the incredible pole lap yesterday, and obviously so happy to see Kimi on the podium as well," he shared, referring to his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who placed third. "Amazing day for the team. Thanks to everybody back at the factory who's been working so hard to get us back fighting for victories. Feels good." What People Are Saying In the comments underneath Russell's Instagram post, film and F1 fans praised the viral interaction. Instagram user @mellisan wrote in a reply with 489 likes: "Twins in crime." @bader__alqallaf joked in a comment with 238 likes: "Penalty to brad pitt for overtaking george during red carpet." @elliwade said in a message with 77 likes: "We love to see it." @placidamarcia, meanwhile, urged in a note with 270 likes: "George is the Perfect 007 when he retire as a F1 driver!" @iman_ashimi agreed, adding: "Okay, so James Bond and Brad Pitt!" What Happens Next F1 The Movie hits U.S. theaters on Friday, June 27. Russell and his fellow F1 drivers have a brief break before heading to Austria for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring on Sunday, June 29.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Martin Brundle Shares Support for Suspended FIA Steward
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle issued a resounding statement of support for a suspended FIA steward. Brundle, a former Formula 1 driver, commented on the suspension of Derek Warwick, who was not allowed to work at the Canadian Grand Prix. Martin Brundle rides a scooter in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 12, 2025 in Montreal, Canada Martin Brundle rides a scooter in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 12, 2025 in Montreal, Canada Photo byIn response to the suspension announcement, Brundle comments on X (formerly Twitter): "Derek Warwick is one of the most genuine and passionate people and racers I have ever known," Brundle wrote. "He is a salt of the earth genuine guy. He's done so much for young racers and motorsport in general. Not least as an FIA Steward. "He has my absolute support and friendship until my last breath." Derek Warwick is one of the most genuine and passionate people and racers I have ever known. He is a salt of the earth genuine guy. He's done so much for young racers and motorsport in general. Not least as an FIA Steward. He has my absolute support and friendship until my last… — Martin Brundle OBE (@MBrundleF1) June 14, 2025 Brundle's statement excludes any comment on what Warwick did to merit the suspension, but instead focuses on the character of the steward. The FIA suspended Warwick for making comments about drivers on the grid publicly, specifically Max Verstappen's Spanish Grand Prix penalty. Also, his comments were not published by an established media outlet, but rather provided by a PR agency. The agency offers Warwick's comments to publishers in exchange for the credit going to a gambling company, in this case Plejmo. Plejmo uses these recognitions as an atypical marketing tool, getting the company's name out on the internet. Warwick never spoke with Plejmo; instead, he got paid for an interview with the PR company. After the FIA discovered the nature and source of the public comments, the governing body suspended Warwick for the race in Canada. "Following recent unauthorised media comments, the FIA has taken the decision to suspend Derek Warwick from his duties as driver steward for this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix," an FIA statement read. "He will be replaced by Enrique Bernoldi, who will be officiating from the Remote Operations Centre in Geneva for the remainder of the event. "After discussion, Derek acknowledges that his comments were ill-advised in his role as an FIA steward and has apologised. Derek will resume his duties as a steward in the forthcoming Austrian Grand Prix." Another steward was in a similar situation. FIA official Johnny Herbert served as a steward, but he was removed from the role. Herbert offered quotes to a gambling website, prompting action from the FIA, ruling Herbet's role as media "incompatible" with the role of a race official. FIA stewards are unpaid volunteers currently, doing the work out of a sense of duty rather than monetary gain. Given the lack of financial gain in the role, stewards are often left looking for alternative sources of income.
Time Out
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time Out
Lance Stroll spotted at this Montreal smoked meat institution during Grand Prix
With the news that he had been cleared to race at the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend getting the city's pulse racing, Lance Stroll made a pit stop at his favourite Montreal deli. Looking happy to be back on home turf, Stroll and the Aston Martin team hit up one of the city's most iconic spots for smoked meat. The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team shared photos on their Instagram account of Stoll at Lester's Deli in Outremont, smiling and looking relaxed ahead of the big race weekend. The message on the Instagram post read: "A taste of home. Lance brought the team together at one of his favourite Montreal spots, Lester's Deli. [Green heart emoji] #CanadianGP" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team (@astonmartinf1) From famous delis to hidden diners, Montreal is known for some exceptional smoked meat (and poutine and bagels). And while the famous Bernard Avenue eatery changed hands a few years ago, this sends a big sign that Lester's Deli is standing the test of time when it comes to some of Montreal's best sandwiches. With all the next-level restaurants in Montreal fully booked for race weekend, including some of the top tables downtown and epic party venues, it's great to see some of the city's best cheap eats getting some attention. Who is Lance Stroll driving for in 2025? As of the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, Lance Stroll has secured one pole position and three podium finishes in Formula One. He is currently signed with Aston Martin through the end of the 2026 season. Where is Lester's Deli?
