Should Mercedes re-sign George Russell to new F1 deal?

George Russell has been one of the stand-out performers over the opening four rounds of the F1 season, and appears to be edging ever closer to a contract extension with Mercedes.

The British driver has taken a clear step forward this term and has been the hallmark of consistency for the Brackley-based squad.

Not only has he seamlessly assumed the role of team leader, he has claimed three podium finished in the first four grands prix and sits just 14 points adrift of drivers' championship leader Lando Norris.

Team principal Toto Wolff has spoken glowingly about the 27-year-old on numerous occasions this term, including after the Bahrain Grand Prix when Russell somehow carried his "wounded" W16 across the line in second place and ahead of the aforementioned McLaren driver, in faster machinery.

However, and although the three-time grand prix winner is reportedly close to signing a 2+1 deal to stay with Mercedes, his existing contract currently expires at the end of the season and there remains the looming threat of Max Verstappen.

Wolff has long been an admirer of the Dutchman and said on countless times in the past how much he would like to sign him, even contending that its a partnership that has to happen at some point in the future.

That time could be coming. The four-time F1 drivers' champion appears increasingly frustrated with Red Bull's declining powers and has been persistently linked with Mercedes over the past year - in large part Wolff's doing.

Verstappen is, in many ways, the one who got away for the Austrian, having slipped through his fingers a decade ago.

The 53-year-old will not be willing to let that happen to teenage star Kimi Antonelli, who is enjoying an impressive start to life in F1, which means if anyone is to make way, it is surely Russell.

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