Johnny Herbert defends George Russell: “He’s confident, not arrogant – Mercedes can’t afford to lose him”. Johnny Herbert believes George Russell’s recent performances prove he deserves a long-term Mercedes contract.

Johnny Herbert believes George Russell’s performance level leaves Mercedes with no choice but to offer him a long-term contract, insisting the British driver is not arrogant as some suggest, but simply self-assured and highly competitive.

Herbert’s view on the British driver

Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and George Russell are the only drivers to have claimed victories so far in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Since the Singapore Grand Prix, all four have become multiple race winners, with the Mercedes driver adding another triumph to his tally after his earlier victory in Montreal, Canada.

George Russell has never won more than two races in a single season, but he still has six more opportunities to improve that record before the end of the year. The Las Vegas Grand Prix could be a particularly promising chance to secure a third win, judging by last year’s event. In 2024, Russell also crossed the line first in Belgium but was later disqualified when his car was found to be underweight due to excessive tire wear. It is also worth remembering that his victory in Austria came in chaotic circumstances following the collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

Mercedes must renew his contract, says Johnny Herbert

According to former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert, George Russell’s consistency and strong results mean Toto Wolff must guarantee him a long-term extension. The British driver’s current contract is set to expire soon, and an agreement to continue the partnership – which began in 2017 when Russell joined the Mercedes junior program – has not yet been finalized. He made his Formula 1 debut with Williams in 2019 before being promoted to the Mercedes works team in 2022.

“If he doesn’t get the deal he wants from Mercedes, Russell can go to any team,” Herbert told BettingLounge. “He might come across as arrogant, but he isn’t – he’s simply confident in his own abilities, and his on-track results speak for themselves. When he has a car capable of winning, Russell always delivers. It would be foolish for Mercedes not to offer him a long-term renewal. From my point of view, they have no other option.”