George Russell is still without a confirmed contract for 2026 heading into the F1 Dutch GP weekend, but insists he’s not worried about securing an extension as talks continue with Mercedes.
While speculation around Max Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes for 2026 has cooled in recent weeks as the Dutch driver has reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull in the wake of its management reshuffle, Russell has yet to formally put pen to paper on a contract extension with his current team. However, he insists that there is no rush on getting the job done.
Russell has been one of the strongest and most consistent performers in the first half of the 2025 season, making several podium appearances, securing a win in Montreal and banking the bulk of Mercedes’ points as rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli hit a rough patch during the European leg.
Russell provides update on contract talks
Speaking to media ahead of the F1 Dutch GP, Russell confirmed negotiations with Mercedes are ongoing, adding that no significant developments took place over the summer break.
“We’re in positive talks at the moment,” Russell stated on Thursday in Zandvoort.
“And yeah, as I said, nothing was going to happen during the summer break, because from both of our sides, there was no reason for it to happen because we wanted to, ultimately, enjoy the short time we had off.
“But things are moving in the right direction, so yeah, hopefully in due course, but as I said before the break, we need to make sure it’s right and there isn’t any time pressure from my side.
“There’s no time pressure from the team’s side, so it may take longer than ordinarily, but there’s no reason for you guys to read any more into that than standard reality.
“It’s just juggling a lot of priorities between contract performance, development of 2026, sponsorship events, and getting back in shape training-wise. And then, of course, doing the contract. It’s not like the world stops just to sort it.”
Short-term or long-term?
One of the central questions in the ongoing negotiations revolves around the duration of the next contract. A shorter deal would allow Russell to reassess the competitive landscape after 2026, potentially giving him flexibility to pursue the strongest open seat for the following season. However, if Mercedes were to emerge as front-runners in the new era, a long-term deal would offer stability and a chance to potentially fight for the championship.
“I don’t really mind to be honest, because I think it just always needs to be down to performance,” Russell said.
“So there’s benefits in both.
“My goal is to win with Mercedes, as clear as that, and I think next year is such a vital year for every team, every sort of driver, team, partnership. But from my side, next year is a priority. I’m sort of open to anything. I just want to make sure I’m winning.”
He acknowledged the “risk-reward” element at play.
“It goes both ways. You’ve got to look at what would be beneficial for you, but also what the risks are. So you’ve got to play that risk-reward scenario.”
A product of Mercedes’ junior programme, Russell spent three seasons at Williams before stepping up to replace Valtteri Bottas in 2022. He reiterated his intention to keep winning with the team.
“I am loyal to Mercedes because we’ve supported one another so much over these years, and as I said, I want to win with Mercedes.
“But everything has to be right, and everything has to be aligned. So whether that means it’s one-year, whether that means it’s multi-year. That’s sort of what we’re in the process of discussing now and going from there.”
