According to George Russell, he has conveyed that putting pen to paper on his upcoming Mercedes Formula 1 agreement will not occur during the current summer recess, as the British racer wishes to proceed without undue haste.
The 27-year-old’s existing arrangement concludes at the cessation of the 2025 season, a matter that has been widely discussed in recent weeks, particularly concerning the potential move of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to Mercedes.
However, leading up to the Hungarian Grand Prix the previous weekend, Verstappen declared his intention to remain with Red Bull, essentially confirming that Russell and his teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whose own agreement also lapses this year, are highly likely to continue with Mercedes.
It’s common for contract finalizations to happen during the annual summer break, but Russell indicated that he anticipates no movement until F1 resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix from August 29-31.
“I’m not particularly concerned about anything,” Russell mentioned to Sky Sports F1 on Sunday. “And nothing of significance will transpire during the summer period, as I genuinely intend to relax, recuperate, and return with increased vigor for the subsequent portion of the season.”
George Russell, Mercedes
Photo by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
“However, there’s no compelling need to expedite matters currently. Therefore, it will materialize when the appropriate moment arrives.”
Russell, who has been affiliated with Mercedes for an extended period, ascended to the Silver Arrows in 2022, subsequent to his initial three seasons in F1 with Williams.
He has celebrated four grand prix victories for Mercedes but has yet to contend for an F1 title, notwithstanding the team’s streak of eight consecutive constructors’ championships prior to his arrival.
Consequently, with the competitive order for 2026 uncertain due to forthcoming regulation adjustments, Russell aims to ensure the suitability of the terms in his next contract but affirmed that his signing is a certainty, not a possibility.
“I’m currently 27, and I’ve been an integral part of this team for four years,” he elaborated. “The next year would mark my fifth. We aspire to cultivate a lasting relationship; however, it must be the right fit, and I prefer not to hasten the process.”
“Having contemplated this for 12 months, I won’t make a quick decision within a couple of weeks. We’ll convene when the timing is opportune.”
The contract deliberations occur amidst an exceptionally impressive season for Russell, presently positioned fourth in the championship standings, having secured a win in Canada, and recognized as a distinguished performer by many.
This standing is why his superior, Toto Wolff, holds Russell in high regard, asserting that “George has consistently held advantageous circumstances” regarding a contract renewal.
George Russell, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Mercedes
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
“He has consistently performed since 2018 [his F2 title-winning year]; there hasn’t been a season where he wasn’t present,” Wolff commented post-race in Hungary, where Russell secured third place.
“Our perspective for the coming year remains unchanged; therefore, the absence of external discussions does not imply that internal advancements are not proceeding appropriately.”
“Concerning the contract, we shall observe. We’ll disclose the nature of the terms we’ve proposed, but his standing within the team is unequivocally solid. He reaffirmed this today.”
Additional reporting by Christian Nimmervoll
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