Russell-Mercedes, agreement within a few weeks
The atmosphere inside Mercedes has been unsettled in recent months due to the very real possibility of signing Max Verstappen. That scenario seemed even more plausible since neither George Russell nor Andrea Kimi Antonelli had a confirmed contract for the upcoming season.
After the Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell himself had made it clear that there would be no announcement during the summer break — and that’s exactly what happened. Now, as Formula 1 returns in the Netherlands, the British driver has revealed a new detail about his situation.
“Toto and the team were very open to working during the summer break to reach some sort of agreement, but I wanted to take some time because those two weeks are quite valuable for all of us.”
Russell clarifies details about his future
Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Russell confirmed that negotiations with Mercedes are ongoing:
“I think we’re getting closer to being on the same page on some things, and hopefully in the next… realistically we’re talking maybe a few weeks before something really happens. But there’s no rush and I don’t really want to set a deadline. When it happens, it happens. If it’s next week, in a month, two months, three months — it will be what it will be.”
Some details, however, still need to be resolved. Max Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull for next season has virtually guaranteed Russell’s immediate future at Mercedes. But the Briton, aware that his Dutch rival could make a different choice next summer, is pushing for a long-term deal, while the team prefers to keep its options open.
“I think there are pros and cons to having short- or long-term contracts. For me, this season has shown that more than ever. In the end, what always matters is performance. The number written in the contract is just a number, but obviously it’s something I think about. The truth is, I want to win with Mercedes. I want to win a world championship, that’s my main goal, and I hope it happens here with the team. But, of course, next year I’ll turn 28. I still feel pretty young, but at some point I need to make sure everything is in place and that we’re heading in the right direction. My goal is to win with Mercedes, that’s clear, and I think next year will be a decisive season for every driver, every team and every partnership.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 regulations
It’s not just the contract length that Russell is thinking about. The looming 2026 regulation changes present both an opportunity and a risk for every team on the grid.
“From my point of view, next year is the priority. I’m open to any possibility. I just want to make sure I’m winning. You have to evaluate what’s advantageous for you, but also what the risks are. So it’s about weighing risk versus reward. I’m loyal to Mercedes because we’ve supported each other over the years, and like I said, I want to win with Mercedes. But everything has to be perfect and aligned. So whether it’s for one year or multiple years, that’s what we’re discussing now.”
Although the relationship between Russell and Mercedes was strained by rumors of a potential Verstappen move, the situation now seems clearer. The British driver is confident that an agreement will be reached within a few weeks.
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