George Russell has declared that a new contract with Mercedes will not be signed during the Formula 1 summer break amid his eagerness not to rush developments.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff revealed to media including Motorsport Week post-race at the Hungarian Grand Prix that Russell will be racing with the team beyond 2025.
That comes as rumours surrounding Max Verstappen making a blockbuster move to Mercedes have ceased since he announced that he will be remaining at Red Bull.
With Verstappen not available, Mercedes is expected to embark on next season’s rules overhaul with Russell alongside Andrea Kimi Antonelli in an unchanged line-up.
But amid reports that a prospective deal has been agreed, the Briton has insisted that the situation won’t be resolved prior to the campaign restarting later this month.
“I’ve got nothing to be worried about,” Russell, who secured his sixth podium this season at the Hungaroring last weekend, told Sky Sports F1.
“And nothing’s going to happen over summer because, honestly, I just want to have a rest and recharge and come back stronger for the second half of the year.
“But there’s no time pressure either way now. So it’ll happen when it will happen.”
Russell willing to be patient in Mercedes talks
Russell has stressed that he is willing to bide his time in discussions over a renewal as he and Mercedes work towards settling on an outcome that suits both parties.
“I’m 27 now, I’ve been with the team for four years,” he added. “Next year would be my fifth.
“We want to build the relationship together, but it’s got to be right and I don’t want to rush it.
“I’ve been waiting 12 months. I’m not going to just rush it in the course of two weeks. So we’ll sit down when the time is right.”
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