George Russell shares 'abnormal' feeling about F1 contract situation

Today at 03:15 AM

George Russell believes there is an "abnormal" aspect to the F1 driver market, with so many drivers on long-term contracts. The Mercedes driver is out of contract at the end of the season, with Max Verstappen heavily-linked with a switch from Red Bull, although boss Toto Wolff has hinted that Russell's performances will see him land a fresh deal.  A majority of the F1 field are on what are known as "multi-year contracts", with Russell one of those needing to renegotiate.  Reflecting on the situation, the Briton felt that it was an "abnormal" situation that so many drivers had long-term deals, but that those drivers on such deals "maybe don't have as much self-belief." "When Lewis was here, they never discussed the contract prior to June (or) July," Russell told The Athletic. "It was always the summer, the abnormal part is probably how many drivers have signed so early [on long contracts]. "I feel a lot of drivers who are so fixated on trying to secure their futures are maybe ones who don't have as much self-belief in themselves and feel the need to have that security. "The fact is, if you have a contract and you don't perform, the team finds a way of getting rid of you. Performance is our only currency. And if you perform, the rest sorts itself out. "When people aren't satisfied, people want change, so let's see next year. I think it'll be an interesting summer."