George Russell has claimed that several of his counterparts being tied down to multi-year deals has generated an “abnormal” situation in the Formula 1 driver market.
Russell’s prospects past 2025 have become a prominent talking point in recent times as his contract with Mercedes is due to expire when the current campaign ends.
But despite renewed rumours linking Max Verstappen with a potential Red Bull departure, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has revealed talks with Russell will resume soon.
Mercedes needing to renegotiate terms to retain Russell’s services prior to F1’s impending rule change in 2026 marks a contrast to the circumstances at other teams.
Oscar Piastri’s recent renewal has guaranteed both McLaren drivers are committed to the reigning champions until 2028, while Ferrari’s line-up is also locked in place.
Russell denied that it is unusual that he is still awaiting an extension, instead contending that the eagerness among his rivals to pen long-term deals has been bizarre.
“When Lewis [Hamilton] was here [at Mercedes], they never discussed the contract prior to June [or] July,” the Briton told The Athletic.
“It was always the summer, the abnormal part is probably how many drivers have signed so early [to long-term contracts].”
Russell hints at internal doubts among rivals
Russell has theorised that those who have leapt at the chance to get their contractual situation sorted harbour more internal doubts about their capabilities than him.
The Briton has also cautioned that teams can exercise various mechanisms to release a driver under contract should their results not be up to the expected standard.
“I feel a lot of drivers who are so fixated on trying to secure their futures are maybe ones who don’t have as much self-belief in themselves and feel the need to have that security,” he added.
“The fact is, if you have a contract and you don’t perform, the team finds a way of getting rid of you.
“Performance is our only currency. And if you perform, the rest sorts itself out.
“When people aren’t satisfied, people want change, so let’s see next year. I think it’ll be an interesting summer.”
READ MORE – Mercedes reveals George Russell new F1 contract timeline amid Red Bull talks
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