As the 2025 Formula 1 season reaches its midway point, questions continue to swirl around George Russell’s future with Mercedes. The British driver, whose current contract runs through the end of next year, has admitted that while discussions about an extension are ongoing, there’s no rush to finalize anything just yet.
With Mercedes yet to officially confirm its driver lineup for 2026 — a season that will mark the beginning of a new era of F1 regulations — Russell remains focused on performance over paperwork. Team Principal Toto Wolff has indicated his intent to retain both Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli, though speculation briefly flared after Wolff admitted to an interest in Max Verstappen. However, the reigning World Champion has since reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull.
Speaking at the Hungarian Grand Prix before the summer break, Russell addressed the status of his contract negotiations. “We’ve been in touch quite a bit recently, but not really about the contract,” he said. “Right now, the priority is getting the car back to where we need it to be.”
Russell, who joined Mercedes full-time in 2022 and has taken four race wins since, emphasized that the timing of his next deal is crucial. “There’s no real urgency from either side,” he explained. “Things are progressing in a positive direction, but this isn’t something we want to rush. It needs to be right.”
When asked whether this deal is more complex than previous ones, Russell acknowledged the added weight of expectations. “Definitely. I’ve been in F1 for seven years now. I’m in my prime, and I know what I want — not just short term, but long term. A year ago, I might’ve felt more pressure to sign quickly. Now, I’m more focused on the bigger picture.”
While financial terms are part of the equation, Russell was clear about what matters most to him. “Money is such a small part of this. What matters to me is having the chance to fight for a title. Honestly, I’d pay to be in that position,” he said. “That’s where my head’s at. I want to be in a car that can win championships.”
With Mercedes still working to regain their dominant form of past seasons, Russell’s comments highlight the delicate balance between ambition and patience — for both driver and team — as they navigate the road ahead to 2026.
