'It feels strange' - Martin Brundle voices concern over George Russell's F1 future

Martin Brundle has stated he finds it “strange” that George Russell has not been tied down to a fresh contract at the Mercedes team.

Russell has been part of the Mercedes family since 2017, when he joined as a junior driver before progressing to the F1 grid with Williams two years later.

The Briton received a call-up to race for the Brackley-based squad in 2022 and has established himself as a race winner, with three grand prix wins to his name.

He has also stepped into a team leader role following the exit of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari.

However, Russell has not yet been tied down to a new deal at Mercedes amid whisperings linking Max Verstappen with a shock switch to the team.

Speaking to Sky F1, Brundle backed Russell to be issued a fresh contract by the team.

“He’s driving beautifully and he hasn't got a contract for next year that we know about at the moment,” he said.

“It feels strange, although when I speak to Mercedes about that, they remind me not only are they his current employers, they’re his management team as well.”

Russell has enjoyed his best career start this year, scoring four podiums in the opening six rounds to leave him fourth in the drivers' standings.

Brundle has backed Russell to mix it up with the front-running McLaren duo if Mercedes is able to find a small step with its car.

“George is driving beautifully, and grabbing everything that's available,” Brundle added.

“If they can find a tenth or two and close the gap to McLaren, he'll be right there.“