Mercedes have ‘George Russell card to play’ that could be bad news for Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton shows off his impressive surfing skills

Mercedes could use George Russell as a negotiating tool when sorting out Lewis Hamilton’s new contract, according to Martin Brundle. The Sky Sports F1 host revealed the Silver Arrows could use the performances of the youngster as a reason to play down Hamilton’s expectations for a deal. 

Hamilton and Mercedes are yet to agree to fresh terms with time ticking on his current contract which expires at the end of the season. Brundle warned both sides would be working through the details to make sure an agreement is spot on. 

However, he revealed both sides would have special negotiating position up their sleeves when asked what was holding things up. He said: “It’ll be the detail. I kind of feel its none of my business his contract in some respects, But of course, we ask the questions. 

“Lewis transcends this sport in many ways and I’m sure there will be elements in his contract that reflect that in other things that he does, extra curricular to driving the car as it were.

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“Act in haste, repent at leisure. What’s the point? The current contract’s still in play and I’m sure they are just working through the detail. Mercedes have some cards to play, one of them will be George Russell. Lewis will have some cards to pay, one of them will be an underperforming car and things he wants to do. 

“I’m sure they are putting in place all sorts of milestones if you like for the future.” It comes after reports suggest Hamilton is pushing for a five-year £250million deal to stay at Mercedes. 

According to The Mail, the deal will ensure Hamilton remains in F1 until he is 43 years of age. A source claimed Hamilton would be unlikely to accept just a one-year extension with the squad. 

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Hamilton has been linked with a move to Ferrari but the Mercedes star has repeatedly pledged his allegiance to the German squad. In Spain, Hamilton teased a new extension was close while Toto Qolff stressed it would be sorted within half an hour. 

But, nothing had been solved by the time of the Canadian Grand Pricx with Hamilton sharing a rare update on Thursday. When asked if any progress had been made, he responded: “Yeah but nothing else new to really add.”

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