George Russell has been coy over potential exit clauses in his new Mercedes deal, insisting his focus remains on performance and the pursuit of victory in Formula 1.
Prior to the United States Grand Prix, Mercedes announced Russell would remain a part of the team for the 2026 season alongside team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
This comes following months of speculation on who Mercedes would contract, with boss Toto Wolff making renewed contact with Max Verstappen over the summer.
Despite the countless rumours, Russell admitted that he was always eager to re-sign with the team that he believes gives him the best chance to win the title in 2026.
“Well, for me, I’m really happy to be continuing, because the truth is, if every single seat was available for next year and I could choose any single team to race for, I believe Mercedes is my best chance of winning the championship next year,” Russell told media including Motorsport Week.
“And for me, winning is more about winning than it is about money or sponsor days or anything. I want to win, and this is what I’m fighting for. So that is the long and short of it.”
Russell prioritises Mercedes amid exit clause rumours
Russell’s renewal is thought to be a multi-term arrangement, despite Mercedes’ press release not disclosing whether the deal extended past the upcoming campaign.
But while there have been reports about potential exit clauses being included in the contract, the Briton has emphasised that his focus remains fixed on performance.
“I think it always just comes down to performance,” he continued.
“I think for any driver, or at least for myself, what allows me to sleep well at night is knowing that my performances are strong, and that is what will keep you in the sport as any driver.”
“So I think, as I said, our intention and my goal is to continue with Mercedes indefinitely, and we’re here to focus on winning in 2026. Yeah, that’s that.”
But when asked whether Mercedes not being as competitive as hoped next season could cause him to look elsewhere, Russell didn’t deny that a break clause existed.
“I think that’s, you know, for any driver, at least in my approach, you cross bridges as they come,” he responded.
“The goal is to be successful, and then you cross the bridge thereafter.
“If you’re winning and everything is going as you dream of and vice versa, and next year is my fifth year with the team, if we’re not winning, that would be very disappointing for both of us.
“But that is not something we’re even thinking about. We’re not even thinking about what the potentials are for next year.
“All we’re thinking about is working incredibly hard to give ourselves the best shot at winning.
“And, you know, somebody asked me this morning, ‘You’re probably going to be next season’s favourite now. Are you going to change anything?’
“I mean, if we’re the favourite or if we’re the least favourite, I go about my business the same. And all of that external noise is squashed.”
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