George Russell has described his prolonged contract talks with Mercedes as “conflicting”, but he remains confident about maintaining control over his Formula 1 future.
Despite the uncertainty around his seat, Russell has said that he is focused on performing and trusts the team to support him as long as he delivers on track.
The British driver’s future hangs in the balance with his current deal expiring at the end of the season, alongside rookie team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Yet he has never batted an eyelid at the speculation or appeared disturbed by such a lack of clarity over his contract with the Silver Arrows.
However, the first signs of unrest started to appear ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix when Russell, who is managed by Mercedes-Benz, was asked if it might be good to take his career into his own hands at some point.
“I don’t wish for it to come to anything like that,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“I still trust Toto [Wolff] and I still trust in the team that they will always support me as long as I’m performing.
“That’s what I need to focus on. But of course, for both Kimi and I, these past months have not been the most assuring for our future, and that’s just been a bit conflicting.”
In a weekend where Max Verstappen to Mercedes rumours have calmed, especially with the Dutchman confirming his commitment to Red Bull, a new deal for the 27-year-old would add comfort.
Securing new contracts for both drivers would also bring much-needed stability to the team as Mercedes prepares for the crucial second part of the 2025 season.
Russell on balancing his ambitions with Mercedes amid a unique situation
When asked about the length of his prospective contract, Russell explained that it’s a decision that depends on what suits both him and Mercedes.
“It’s something we need to think about,” he added. “What is in the interest of both parties, really? What do I want from this, as much as what do Mercedes want?
“It has been, obviously, a bit of a unique situation we found ourselves in over these last six months. The fact is, from my side, I want to win.
“That is the only thing I care about more than money, more than [the] number of days of the sponsorship, more than anything.
“I want to win and that, for me, is the most important thing about my future.”
Russell also reflected on his relationship with the team over his career and the unusual challenges that the recent period has provided.
“Let’s say from my whole career until last year, the team have supported me so much and given me such amazing opportunities,” he explained.
“Our goals have been aligned and what has been in the best interest of the team has also been in the best interest of me.
“Now, of course, these last six months have been a very unique situation where I don’t have a huge power in that agreement.
“Maybe the interests were not aligned for some time, which has put me at risk for these last six months. But then it was my job to perform and reduce that risk.”
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