According to FUnoanalisitecnica, George Russell, the British driver for the Mercedes team, has declined the new contract offer presented by the team's management.
The report indicates that Russell was offered a "1+1" agreement for two years. The structure is intended to keep the door open for a potential arrival of Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion from the Netherlands, in 2027. However, Russell turned it down as he is seeking a longer-term partnership.
It is believed that Russell's refusal may spark negotiations between Mercedes and Verstappen. Earlier, The Race publication highlighted the potential timeline for Verstappen's departure from the Red Bull team.
