Did Mercedes damage their relationship with George Russell by only giving him a one-year deal?

It's an interesting theory, maybe it would have just fired George up though

It did feel as though Wolff and Mercedes dragged the contract negotiations out, and the fact that he signed only a one-year suggests that their still looking to see if Verstappen becomes available. Russell has his deal and salary increase, but one-year deal might have fractured things a bit

aaditya.krishnamurthy5mo ago

It's hard to say, realistically. I think George probably wasn't thrilled with the negotiations, hence why he signed the one-year deal. Plus, Mercedes are looking at the possibility of coaxing Max over if possible. It could change, but I'd lean yes right now.