Mercedes F1

Perfomance clause? It looks that if they get Verstappen they´ll get rid of Russell pronto. A Verstappen-Russell duo would be interesting but I think they all know that the bully and the traffic policeman wouldn´t get along.

 

I think it was @Bas that called it when he signed his "multi-year" deal.... in fact a one year guaranteed.

 

Its been noted by multiple sources and I called it as a 1+ which it is. Its a multi year deal if executed as signed and by definition. Is this contract voidable. Yes by the team at anytime. Thats for every single 1 of them. No contract in the sport is guaranteed. Ever by any team LOL! 1year or 3 doesnt matter at all.

George seems rather happy and if he is it doesnt matter if its 1 year + or 10. He drives with a better sorted mental attitude.

You realize this appears to give him as much option as Mercedes. Just like the contract LH signed before leaving for Ferrari. Ask Charles how great his long term deal is going lol. He has stayed too long and maybe, that means, his exit clauses prevent his leaving as another year passes with no title in sight.

 

I honestly think George got dickked around for the better part of 2 years. He proved his worth to Mercedes long ago IMO. He beat Lewis in his first year in 2022 and then looked good in 2024 and has been great in 2025 as the lead driver. Unfortunately for him there is no secret Toto wants Max, and any team boss should want Max and pursue him. Naturally they want the availability to sign Max if it's possible. It's crazy that Mercedes/Toto seem more interested in Kimi's long term future than George, even though George is the guy bringing in all the points this year.

I think any top driver should get or at least try to get a contract similar to Max's. If the team isn't building a good car then he has a claus that allows him to go to another team. If the driver is failing to perform then there should be a claus that says they can get fired without penalty. I understand why this is rare to get from both sides. Charles would be gone long ago, or at least he should have been if he had a claus that states Ferrari isn't delivering from their side. Red Bull would not have had to pay Perez however many millions for his lack of performance according to Helmut Marko. Danny Ric same thing with McLaren.

 

1+1 = 1 year deal. If a driver on a 1+1 gets fired in his first year, he's guaranteed value of contract for the 1 year.

2+1 = 2 year. If a driver on a 2+1 gets fired in his first year, he's guaranteed value of contract for the 2 years.

3+1 = 3 year. If a driver on a 3+1 gets fired in his first year, he's guaranteed value of contract for the 3 years.

The +1 gives a team right to option, it's not multi year guaranteed.

George is on a 1 + 1. He's a fine driver performing well, and pretty much the only reason his contract won't be guaranteed is if Mercedes can get Max.