George Russell explains why he wasn’t on the market: Mercedes management controls his contract
The threat of Max Verstappen moving away from Red Bull Racing has definitively disappeared. The Dutch four-time Formula 1 World Champion will remain with the Milton Keynes-based team through the 2026 season, extending his current contract and ensuring continuity. Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal, who had hoped to convince Verstappen to switch to the Brackley outfit—the favored manufacturer for the 2026 regulations—has been left empty-handed after stirring the environment within the Mercedes team.
Now that the “danger” of Verstappen leaving has vanished, George Russell can take his time negotiating a contract renewal with Mercedes. As the dust begins to settle, a clearer picture emerges of the situation, revealing some interesting aspects worthy of analysis.
George Russell is reportedly negotiating a contract extension reportedly worth around 30 million euros per year, potentially including a surprise bonus that might even come from Toto Wolff himself. This is paddock gossip, but considering the unusual position the British driver found himself in, it might not be just a fantasy.
The curious aspect is that Russell, frustrated by constant talk about Max Verstappen in the Silver Arrows team, couldn’t even put himself on the market because his contract rights are fully controlled by Mercedes management. The British driver addressed this conflict in interviews with Motorsport.com and other media outlets ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. While the interests of the driver and the team have generally aligned, the recent strange situation gave the impression that something might have shifted.
Russell’s current contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the year, and the team is expected to finalize contract renewals soon—not only for George Russell but also for young driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli—ensuring continuity for the squad competing this season.
When asked if he had ever considered freeing himself from the constraints of the Silver Star team to be free from the manufacturer’s decisions, Russell explained: “Throughout my career, the team has supported me immensely and always provided incredible opportunities. Our goals were always aligned, and what was best for the team was also to my advantage.”
However, the tone changed a little afterward.
“In the last six months, I found myself in a very unique situation. I didn’t have much power to negotiate a renewal because perhaps our interests hadn’t been aligned for some time. I found myself in a risky position, and I have always tried to give my best to reduce that risk.”
When asked if he was considering changing management, George Russell replied:
“I don’t know, to be honest. I wouldn’t want it to come to that. I still have faith in Toto Wolff and the team that will support me as long as I’m performing at the top level. That’s what I need to focus on. But for both Kimi and me, the last few months haven’t been the most reassuring about our future, and all this has been somewhat contradictory.”
Now there is no longer any anxiety about rushing a deal.
“They are not in a hurry to sign Kimi or me because we have a long-term connection. Honestly, I never feared losing my seat, even though you media like to dramatize things. I feel I still have a lot to give.”
“I want to give my best in Hungary so I can go on holiday next week and enjoy the break without any pressure from me or the team. We will reach an agreement, but it has to be right for both parties.” Understood…
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