Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer looked to sell George Russell on why signing just a one-year Mercedes contract – in the face of a potential fresh Max Verstappen opportunity – would not be such a bad thing.

With Russell looking like a “champion in waiting” in Palmer’s view, the former Renault driver believes a sea of potential F1 2027 options, such as Ferrari, Aston Martin and perhaps even McLaren, could open up to Russell. F1 paddock veteran Rob Smedley meanwhile warns Russell that if Mercedes were willing to do a “one-plus-one” only with Hamilton, he definitely is not off limits, with Verstappen still a potential factor.

George Russell: Is a Mercedes one-year deal in his best interests?

This article was published before Mercedes confirmed George Russell’s new contract for the F1 202

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