Russell: Future in F1 uncertain, Mercedes holds the cards

George Russell Reveals the Dynamics of His Contract with Mercedes

Formula 1 driver George Russell has publicly addressed the contractual situation he faces with Mercedes for the 2026 season. In an interview, Russell admitted that the team “holds the cards” in the negotiations and that the last few months have been “conflicting” while he awaits news about his future with the team. The uncertainty surrounding Russell’s seat at Mercedes has remained latent, especially after statements by Toto Wolff, team principal, about the possibility of signing Max Verstappen in the future. However, with the confirmation that Verstappen will remain at Red Bull next year, a new contract between Russell and Mercedes is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Russell, managed directly by Mercedes since he joined as a junior driver in 2017, acknowledges the influence of the team in contractual decisions. “They have control due to the management agreement,” Russell stated. “They were not in a hurry to sign Kimi [Antonelli, Russell’s teammate] or me, as we have a long-term agreement.”

I have never been afraid of losing my seat and that hasn’t even been on the table this year, although, of course, you like to make a big deal out of it.

George Russell

The British driver also shared his thoughts on the pressure and expectations surrounding his contract. “Maybe 12 months ago I was a little more anxious and wanted something to be resolved or confirmed for ’26, maybe six months ago I felt the same, but now I’m performing better than ever, I still feel I have more to give. I’ve waited so long and I think now I want to spend this weekend, I want to go on vacation next week and enjoy the break, and there’s no time pressure on my part, there’s no time pressure from the team. So when we reach an agreement, we will, but it has to be right in both ways.”

The unusual situation of being managed by the team he races for seems to leave Russell vulnerable in case Verstappen were to become available in the future. Russell admitted that this dynamic has posed a risk in the last six months, while options with Verstappen were being explored. Russell highlighted the importance of aligning interests between himself and the team. “These last six months have been a very unique situation in which I don’t have much power in that type of agreement, and perhaps the interests were not aligned for some time, which, of course, has put me at risk during these last six months. But then it was my job to perform and reduce that risk.” When asked about the possibility of a multi-year or single-year contract, Russell added: “It’s something we need to think about, what both parties are really interested in, what do I want from this as much as what does Mercedes want?” Russell concluded by expressing his desire for success above all else. “I want to win, that’s the only thing that matters to me. More than money, more than the amount of sponsorship days, more than anything, I want to win and that’s the most important thing about my future.”