Russell's About to Get Stupid Rich While Verstappen Stays Put

By Lewis Barnett 28 July, 2025 6 mins read 232 Views

So here's the deal that everyone's been whispering about in the paddock for weeks now.

George Russell is literally days away from signing what might be the most ridiculous contract in recent F1 history - £30 million per year with Mercedes. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen apparently decided Red Bull's couch is too comfortable to leave, extending his stay for another year. My mate in the Mercedes garage texted me yesterday: "It's basically done, just lawyers being lawyers now."

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The Money Talk Nobody Wants to Admit

Look, I've been covering this sport since 2019, and the numbers being thrown around for Russell are absolutely mental. We're talking about a British driver who, let's be honest, hasn't won a championship yet but is about to earn more than some Premier League superstars. The negotiations have been dragging on for weeks - Russell's people going back and forth with Toto Wolff's crew like they're haggling over a used car.

Toto wanted this wrapped up before Hungary. Didn't happen.

Now they're scrambling to get everything sorted before the summer break, but Russell's team is being incredibly thorough with the fine print. Can't blame them really - £30 million buys a lot of scrutiny.

When Everything Goes Wrong at the Worst Possible Time

Here's where it gets awkward though. Mercedes had an absolutely terrible weekend at Spa - and I mean terrible. Russell managed fifth place (which sounds decent until you realize where they expected to finish), while Kimi Antonelli came home 16th. Sixteenth! At a track that should've been perfect for their car setup.

Russell was visibly frustrated afterward, and honestly, I don't blame him. Imagine negotiating a massive contract extension while your team's performance is going backwards faster than a tourist in Monaco traffic. He basically called out the entire team publicly, saying they need "a big sit-down this week" to figure out what the hell went wrong.

"We really need to understand what is going on and why we've taken such a step backwards," Russell said, and you could hear the genuine confusion in his voice. "These conditions are ideal for us and our car... It's been the worst performance of the season."

The Technical Nightmare Nobody Saw Coming

This is where it gets really interesting from an engineering perspective. Russell mentioned the car is "lacking rear stability" - which in F1 speak means the back end is sliding around like it's on ice. Both he and Antonelli are making more mistakes because the car has become genuinely difficult to drive.

"It seems quite strange how we've gone so far backwards," Russell admitted.

Strange is putting it mildly. Mercedes went from looking competitive earlier this season to struggling with fundamental balance issues. Russell suggested they might need to "reverse back to some of the old changes" they've made, but then immediately caught himself: "But in F1 it's never that simple."

God, isn't that the truth.

Verstappen's Non-Drama

While all this Mercedes chaos unfolds, Verstappen quietly decided to extend his Red Bull contract for another year. No fuss, no drama, no £30 million headlines. Just Max being Max - staying where he's comfortable and continuing to make everyone else look silly on Sundays.

Poor Russell's about to get paid like a champion while dealing with a car that's forgotten how to be fast. That's F1 for you - timing is everything, and sometimes the timing is absolutely brutal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Formula 1 teams buy cars from competitors?

Formula 1 teams generally design and build their own cars, but they can purchase certain components, such as the power units and gearboxes, from competitors. However, the regulations stipulate that certain parts like the chassis or aerodynamic surfaces must be owned by the team to maintain competition and diversity.

How much are Formula 1 tires?

Formula 1 tires are supplied exclusively by Pirelli, and the cost of manufacturing these specialized tires can be around $2,700 per tire, resulting in a set costing approximately $10,800. The teams absorb this cost through sponsorships with tire manufacturers and supply contracts.

What is the impact of a Formula 1 crash on a team's budget?

The financial cost of a Formula 1 accident varies depending on its severity. Minor accidents can cost thousands of dollars for replacement parts. More serious crashes can cause expenses of over $500,000. In extreme cases, the costs can exceed $1 million, especially if a new chassis is required.

What costs are excluded from the Formula 1 budget cap?

Formula 1 budget caps exclude certain expenses to give teams flexibility. These exclusions typically include marketing costs, driver salaries, the salaries of the top three executives or personnel, and any costs associated with non-F1 racing activities. Capital expenditures, expenses related to corporate tax and employee benefits or bonuses are also excluded from the cap.

How much does wind tunnel testing, simulators and other costs affect a Formula 1 team’s budget?

Formula 1's car development relies on wind tunnel testing, and using simulators. Wind tunnels can cost up to $100,000 a day. Full-scale simulators, on the other hand, may cost several millions of dollars at first. These facilities have a significant impact on the budgets of teams.

What is the Formula 1 budget cap?

The budget cap is a recent introduction to Formula 1 designed to promote financial sustainability and competitive balance among teams. Budget cap set at $145m for 2021 season. Excludes marketing costs, driver salaries and the salaries of top three team personnel. The cap is subject to gradual reduction in the subsequent years.

Statistics

Pirelli F1 tires cost around $2,700 each, resulting in a set of four tires costing approximately $10,800.
Wind tunnel testing costs in Formula 1 can be as high as $100,000 per day, which is a critical part of car development.
The average cost to construct a Formula 1 car chassis is estimated to be between $10 million and $15 million.
A Formula 1 car's carbon fiber body parts, essential for performance and safety, contribute significantly to the overall production costs of the vehicle.
The financial cost of a Formula 1 car crash can range from a few tens of thousands to over $1 million, dependent on the extent of the damage.
An advanced Formula 1 steering wheel can cost between $50,000 to $100,000 given its multifunctionality and custom design.
Formula 1 teams may spend up to $10 million on the engine alone, due to the high level of technology and performance required.
Since the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014, Formula 1 teams have seen a significant increase in costs related to engine development and maintenance.

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How To

How to Select the Right Formula 1 Racing Tires

It is important to choose the right Formula 1 tires for maximum performance. Understanding track conditions is the first step. They will dictate whether soft, hard, or medium compounds are appropriate. Working closely with tire suppliers such as Pirelli to choose tires that suit the circuit's temperature and layout is important. Remember to take into consideration the race plan, as some compounds have a higher durability or speed. Be sure to consider the fuel allocation and tire choices that may have an impact on the car's handling.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/formula-1/piastri-just-schooled-norris-in-the-rain-and-hamiltons-comeback-almost-made-me-forget-this-nightmare-weekend