Mercedes warned of 'Daniel Ricciardo-like resentment' after generating George Russell 'instability'

Former F1 driver Derek Daly believes George Russell will have doubts over his place within the Mercedes camp despite securing a contract extension.

Following months of speculation, Mercedes communicated on Wednesday that Russell and team-mate Kimi Antonelli will remain put next year.

Russell's position within the team was less clear earlier in the campaign as Mercedes chased the possibility of signing Max Verstappen from Red Bull.

The potential arrival of the four-time champion raised doubts over Russell's future with the team, as Antonelli is seen as a long-term project for Mercedes.

Russell's situation reminds Daly of the treatment Daniel Ricciardo underwent when Verstappen was signed to partner the Australian at Red Bull.

“I think George Russell has amazing speed,” Daly exclusively told RacingNews365.

“Unfortunately, Toto has now built a bit of a Daniel Riccardo[-like] resentment within George Russell.

“Toto Wolff has already told George Russell, ’Yeah, you’re good. We like you - but we’d change it in a heartbeat.

“That is, in essence, what Red Bull told Daniel Ricardo and I think it’ll take a bit of time to recover from that.”

Russell has been Mercedes' lead performer this year, scoring two wins in the 18 rounds held so far and bagging almost three-quarters of the team's points.

However, the scepticism of Russell's place in the team has left Daly to predict that it will result in added uncertainty in the back of Russell's mind.

“I have to think George Russell has the little man in the back of his head saying ‘I resent what they do',” he said.

“They didn’t come out publicly and say, I’m the guy, I beat Lewis Hamilton, I’m a clear leader in the team today, I’ve won races in a car that I have to carry’.

“The fascination of the sport is - has Mercedes already built in a bit of instability because of the lack of security their lead driver has to feel because of how he’s been treated on his contract renewal?

“Can he become emotionally neutral and forget it? Can you learn how to forget? 

“It’s like great golfers. Great golfers can learn how to forget. Can George Russell learn how to forget that that ever happened?

“[Can he] be completely unburdened mentally to give everything he can? 

“Maybe he can and end up being even more impressive.”