Mercedes AMG Formula One driver George Russell has been hurt by his team's engagement with Max Verstappen in the race weekends leading up to the summer break. The claim has been made by former driver and Sky Sports F1 presenter Martin Brundle.

Russell's Mercedes contract extension was reportedly kept on hold as team principal Toto Wolff was in talks with Verstappen. However, given the four-time world champion's Red Bull contract that lasts until the end of 2028, Verstappen ruled out a move to Mercedes next year.

Wolff has since confirmed that his team was heading in the direction of signing Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 season. Notably, both their current contracts expire at the end of this year, and despite just eight races remaining for the 2025 season to conclude,

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