F1 Free Agent to Be George Russell in No Hurry to Extend With Mercedes
George Russell says he is in no hurry to sort out his Mercedes contract for 2026.
Russell is slightly out of sync with the majority of the other front-runners, having signed a two-year extension in the summer of 2023, covering 2024 and 2025. Mercedes has continually been linked with a move for champion Max Verstappen—in the event that he opts to leave Red Bull—while the team promoted Kimi Antonelli for 2025 as part of its long-term strategy.
'From my side, there's no stress whatsoever regarding a contract,' Russell said. 'Ultimately, contracts are in place in Formula 1 and things change very quickly. I believe in myself. You have to perform and it's pretty much as simple as that. And when it comes down to contract discussions, I think with us in the past, with Toto [Wolff], it's taken no more than 24 hours to have the conversation, and then it goes to the lawyers and we get something in place.
"So, there is no rush from my side, there's no concerns, there's no pressure. I'm enjoying where I'm at in the sport right now and enjoying my performance and just enjoying going racing. That's the main priority right now.'
The 27-year-old Russell finished fifth at the F1 Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday and is fourth in the F1 Drivers' Championship standings.
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