George Russell Seeks Contract Clarity with Mercedes Amid Positive Developments
George Russell has stated that he is under no immediate pressure to finalize a new contract with Mercedes, suggesting a timeframe of “a number of weeks” before significant progress is made. Currently, the status of both Russell and Kimi Antonelli remains uncertain for the 2026 season, although both drivers are expected to retain their positions.
Following explorations involving Max Verstappen earlier this year, which concluded after the Dutch driver reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull, Russell confirmed that formal negotiations are still in progress. “There is no time pressure from the team’s side and no time pressure from our side,” he explained. Russell emphasized the importance of ensuring the agreement is properly executed, stating, “Naturally, we wanted to take the summer off to relax and reset, but it’s positively moving in the right direction.”
Russell has used the recent summer break to assess his future both on and off the track. He acknowledged that while the team has been eager to negotiate during this period, he preferred to take the time for personal reflection. “Those two weeks are pretty precious for all of us,” he added, indicating that discussions have resumed this week as he returns to focus on racing commitments and team development.
In terms of the negotiation specifics, Russell indicated that the length of the deal is not a sticking point. “There are no major items that are still up for negotiation,” he stated. “Ultimately, it always comes down to performance. The number that is stated in the contract is ultimately just a number.”
Looking ahead, Russell articulated his ambition to secure a championship with Mercedes, focusing on ensuring alignment with the team’s future direction. “The truth is I want to win with Mercedes… I’m still feeling pretty young, but at some point I need to make sure everything is right,” he concluded, reaffirming his commitment to the team while remaining open to the timing of the contract resolution.
