During the drivers press conference at the F1 Singapore GP, George Russell was asked about his expected contract extension with Mercedes for 2026. With 7 races remaining in the 2025 season and both drivers still unconfirmed for 2026, a contract announecment is imminent.
Russell also discussed how himself and Mercedes are likely to perform during the F1 Singapore GP this weekend.
George Russell on his upcoming contract renewal: “There’s nothing to worry about.”
Russell faced repeated questions about his contract for next year during the drivers press conference at the 2025 Singapore GP. While Russell has no news at the moment, he is confident that he will stay with Mercedes for the 2026 F1 season.
“Surprise. No dates to give you. I told you you’d be the first to know when there’s something to report.”
“I think for any driver, when you get to a certain point in your career, things have to be done right. Every time you renew a contract, it’s the most important one of your life and has to be done with good care. There’s nothing to worry about, and it will get done when it gets done.”
The British driver insists that they are looking for an agreement that will benefit both himself and the team.
“I think it’s just about something that’s fair, mutually beneficial. I think that’s what we all chase. It’s obviously different for certain drivers who may have a bit more power, may have a bit less power.”
“But as I said, no more updates. Nothing to report. I’ll be glad to tell you all once there is.”
Russell discusses when he can expect news on his contract
Russell has performed well this season, he is currently P4 in the drivers championship, 46 points behind four time world champion Max Verstappen.
Ahead of the F1 Singapore GP Russell addressed whether he worries about contract talks continuing past the season. The Mercedes driver insists everything is progressing well and say’s he is working well behind-the-scenes the develop the car for next year.
“No, I don’t think so. It shouldn’t, to be honest. Yeah, things are moving and progressing.”
“And as I’ve said on numerous occasions before, between races it’s not like we sit at home on the sofa with our feet up and nothing else is going on. I’ve been in Brackley and Brixworth this week, working hard on the sim, looking ahead also to next year.”
“Last week, a couple of sponsor events, training, getting back in shape. So, our schedules are extremely busy. And as I said, there is no necessary danger of that happening. But if it does, it does — but I don’t expect it to.”
Russell examines how the FIA have made changes to the F1 Singapore GP in attempts to make the race more exciting
Ahead of the 2024 Singapore GP the FIA added more DRS zones, attempting to make the race more exciting and increase the overtaking on track. The track layout also makes it difficult for driver to overtake. For 2025, the FIA have increased the speed limit for the pit lane.
During the drivers press conference, Russell discussed whether the change would spice up the race for fans and drivers alike.
“I think the biggest thing for Singapore that’s improved the race is removing the last sector corners. Now, that back straight… I mean, as drivers, you never want to remove corners, but I think before it had 20-something corners, and it was too much.”
“Now it’s a much nicer flow to the circuit, and I think we’re all in agreement that we hope the circuit stays like this and doesn’t return back to its previous state.”
“But, in the past it was always like a one-stop because the pit lane took so long. I think it’s four or five seconds shorter now with this 80-kilometre per hour limit. So maybe it goes more towards a two, but recently a lot of races have been a clear one-stop. So, yeah, I think the rain will probably be the next thing that will spice it up.”
George Russells performance hopes for Mercedes at the 2025 F1 Singapore GP
Russell was able to finish P4 at the 2024 Singapore GP after a pit stop put him ahead of his then teammate, Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes have performed well at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in the past which Russell is looking to continue in 2025.
George Russell has had a good season so far, highlighted by his P2 finish at the Azerbaijan GP. This momentum will surely motivate the Briton, however, he expects McLaren and Ferrari to be in front.
“I think the last two years, we’ve been reasonably good. Ferrari are often very strong here. They were on pole two years ago, and last year they were looking really strong until Q3, which sort of ruined their weekend”
“And of course, we know McLaren at the hot races, high tyre degradation circuits, are exceptionally strong. So, I expect McLaren and Ferrari to be the two teams out in front.”
