Russell gives update on contract: "I want to ensure it's done right, and not done quickly"

Written by Caitlyn Gordon, Edited by Meghana Sree

George Russell heads into the final months of his contract with Mercedes but remains confident a solution will be found soon with the team for an extension.

Despite his consistency this year, George Russell's 2026 contract is still up in the air | Credit: Formula One

As Formula One returns after its three-week summer break, the teams head to the final Dutch Grand Prix. A piece of the jigsaw puzzle of the 2026 driver-line up was solved as Cadillac announced Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as its two drivers.

Several contacts for many drivers run out at the end of the season, one of which is Mercedes George Russell. 

Throughout the season, rumours have been swirling around Max Verstappen potentially jumping ship to the Brackley-based team. However, months of talking concluded with Verstappen closing the door on that prospect in Hungary, choosing to stick with the Red Bull team for a tenth year.

Russell has had a stellar year in F1, consistently in the top five and landing in podium finishing positions. The Briton currently sits fourth in the standings - just 14 points behind Verstappen.

Despite his compelling performances, Russell still hasn’t been confirmed for a 2026 drive.

However, the late renewal is all part of the plan Russell admitted during Thursday’s media day, stating he wanted to take his time making the decision about his future:

"I definitely wanted to take the summer to really think about my future, because it's obviously important for everybody when you're discussing the coming years.

“The team and Toto [Wolff] were very open to discussing or finding a solution during the break, but I just wanted to take that time.

"There are pros and cons in terms of duration. The truth is, I just want to win, and I want to win with Mercedes. If I could choose, that is what I would choose to do.”

Despite missing out on Verstappen for 2026, Team Principal Toto Wolff is planning to hold further conversations with the Dutchman when his contract ends with Red Bull next season.

This puts its drivers into a predicament when it comes to multi-year contracts which Russell commented on, but he reaffirmed his alliance with the Silver Arrows with hopes of a conclusion to his contract coming to a close soon:

“But, of course, things have to be right, things have to be aligned - there's a lot more to our job than just driving on a Sunday afternoon. It's positively moving in the right direction but there's no time pressure from my side, there's no major time pressure from the team's side, so I just want to ensure it's done right, and not done quickly.

"There are pros and cons in having short-term, long-term [contracts]. For me, this season more than ever proves, it always comes down to performance.

“The number that's stated in the contract is ultimately just a number but it's obviously something I'm thinking about.

"The truth is I want to win with Mercedes. I want to win a world championship. That's my number one goal and I hope that's here with the team.

"But, of course, I'm 28 next year. I still feel pretty young but at some point I need to make sure everything is right and we are all heading in the right direction. I hope that can be with Mercedes.”