George Russell responds to Mercedes contract rumors: “Nothing discussed before May or June”. George Russell downplays contract renewal rumors with Mercedes.

George Russell and Mercedes, still together?
In the lead-up to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Roberto Chinchero of Motorsport Italia reported on ongoing talks between George Russell and Mercedes regarding a contract renewal, as his current deal expires at the end of 2025. A two-year contract with an option for a third year, valued at $30 million per year, has been mentioned.

George Russell keeps it vague
Asked about it by Sky UK journalists, George Russell responded to the rumors of a renewal with Mercedes: “Rumors are never that accurate, right? When it comes to speculation, I don’t listen too much. Some are reasonably believable, but in the end, we’ve never discussed a contract before May or June…”

George Russell then gave a broader view on how the driver market is evolving: “The oddest thing is the number of drivers who supposedly have long-term contracts. I say ‘supposedly’ because they all have exit clauses, all have performance-related clauses. If you have a three-year deal, it doesn’t mean anything if there’s that kind of clause, which can apply to both the driver and the team.”

George Russell concluded with a very pragmatic reflection: “If you have a contract with a team but they want you to leave, they’ll find a way to make it happen. That’s how this sport works, and how it should work, because we are 20 of the best drivers in the world and everything is ruthless. There’s no time to mess around.”