George Russell insists there is “nothing to worry about” regarding his Formula 1 contract situation with Mercedes, despite confirmation of a new deal still pending.
The 26-year-old is widely expected to remain with Mercedes in 2026, but with October now underway, neither driver nor team has made an official announcement.
Speculation about Russell’s future sprang earlier in the summer, when the Brit revealed the German marque had engaged in talks with Max Verstappen.
But the Dutchman has since committed to Red Bull for 2026, making the extension of Russell’s deal appear somewhat of a formality.
Speaking to the media including Motorsport Week ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Russell admitted that negotiations are ongoing, but he played down any suggestion of uncertainty.
When asked if he already had a contract for next year, Russell replied: “No. I told you you’d be the first to know when there’s something to report.”
Pressed on how much longer fans and media may have to wait, he explained: “No, I think for any driver, when you get to a certain point in your career, things have to be done right.
“I think every time you renew a contract, it’s the most important one of your life and it has to be done with good care. There’s nothing to worry about and it will get done.”
Russell negotiates behind the scenes
Russell, who has become Mercedes’ team leader following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, suggested that the talks are not about brinkmanship but about finding a balance.
“No, I don’t think [I’m a tough negotiator]. I think it’s just about something that is 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. I’ll leave it there.”
Some reports suggest the possibility of a shorter deal, such as a one-year contract with an option. That would leave flexibility on both sides should market dynamics shift.
For Mercedes, such a move would keep the door ajar should Max Verstappen ever be tempted away from Red Bull.
For Russell, it could allow him to evaluate Mercedes’ competitiveness under the new 2026 technical regulations. Then he could decide to commit to a long-term deal.
Asked whether negotiations might drag on beyond the end of the season, Russell dismissed the idea.
“No, I don’t think it should, to be honest.
“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, it does. But I don’t expect it to.”
READ MORE – George Russell reveals why he was unconcerned by Max Verstappen to Mercedes talks
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