Before the United States Grand Prix, held two weeks ago, Mercedes officially confirmed that both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell will continue racing for the team in the future, without disclosing the exact length of their contracts.
Russell later confirmed that his new agreement includes a performance clause, ensuring he stays “100%” with the team if he continues achieving strong results in Formula 1 next season.
Mercedes, under Toto Wolff, generally offers its drivers a “1+1” type contract, giving the team an option to renew. However, George Russell revealed that in his case, the 2027 season will be in his hands rather than Wolff’s, provided he meets the performance requirements outlined in his new deal.
In an interview with the British newspaper The Telegraph on the eve of the Mexican Grand Prix, the 27-year-old said, “It’s something I haven’t publicly mentioned yet, but the agreement works like this: if I have good results next year, thanks to a specific clause, the contract will automatically extend through 2027.”
He added, “My place here is in my hands. They’re not playing games with me. We won’t be in the same position as six months ago. If I deliver strong results—and I won’t go into details—then I’ll stay 100%.”
The clause is significant both for Russell and for the next season’s Formula 1 driver market, which promises to be as wild as the current one, featuring major grid changes.
Essentially, it helps protect the five-time Grand Prix winner from external threats, particularly from Max Verstappen, who earlier this year was negotiating with Wolff. The Austrian has long admired the four-time world champion and hasn’t hidden his desire to see the Red Bull driver move from Milton Keynes to Brackley.
This tension delayed Russell’s contract negotiations this season, as Wolff’s “flirtation” with Max Verstappen created uncertainty. Ultimately, Max Verstappen decided to remain with Red Bull for now. With teammate Kimi Antonelli highly valued by the eight-time world constructors’ champions and regarded as the team’s future, Verstappen represents a real threat to Russell’s security.
George Russell’s improved negotiating position further extended the wait for his contract confirmation. Thanks to his results, he secured more favorable terms than initially offered.
Rumors suggest George Russell’s new contract is worth around £30 million per year, placing him behind only Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton among Formula 1’s highest-paid drivers. The Brit also negotiated better conditions in other areas, such as the number of required PR days. “Everything went well,” George Russell added. “I actually wanted to sign the contract back in October 2024, but what I have now is substantially better than what I would have gotten then. So yes, sometimes you just have to trust your abilities, and I feel I’m getting stronger every day.”
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