George Russell has made a name for himself as one of the best drivers on the Formula 1 grid right now. Since taking over as the lead driver for Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton‘s exit, Russell has shown great potential to be a champion one day, in the right car. Mercedes has failed to build a championship-level car so far.
The Briton’s contract ends at the end of the 2025 season, and on paper, he remains without a plan for the 2026 season. It is a major question about what his next move might by, as Russell has announced that he will delay signing the contract with the Silver Arrows.
George Russell confirms future plans with Mercedes
The 27-year-old boasts six podiums so far this season, including an impressive win at the Canadian Grand Prix. There is no doubt that there aren’t many other drivers who can bring better results at the moment. Mercedes will hope that Russell signs on the dotted line, and the driver also seems to be on the same page as the team.
Nice way to enter the break 🏆🇭🇺 pic.twitter.com/DOxX4RFq42
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) August 3, 2025
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Russell explained why he doesn’t want to sign a new contract with Mercedes over the summer break. He said, “It’s when, not if. I’m 27 now, I’ve been with the team for four years, next year would be my fifth. We want to build the relationship together, but it’s got to be right.”
“I don’t want to rush it. I’ve been waiting 12 months. I’m not just going to rush it over the course of two weeks. We will sit down when the time is right,” Russell added.
Russell reiterates that he has to sit down with the Mercedes team and finalize the contract, and doesn’t wish to rush it. He puts all rumors of an exit to bed, claiming that it’s only a matter of time before the deal is done.
Toto Wolff makes feelings clear on George Russell’s future at Mercedes
Russell exploded onto the scene in 2020 at the Sakhir Grand Prix, when he replaced Lewis Hamilton, who was hit with COVID-19. Russell came quite close to a win, but was unfortunate with a puncture late in the race.
He managed to score his first points and eventually a podium with Williams in 2021, earning Merc seat the following year. That marked the end of Valtteri Bottas’ career with the team. Since then, the star has not looked back, leading the team to 20 podium finishes and four race wins.
Achievement unlocked: 20 Grands Prix podiums for Mercedes 🔓
Top P3rformance out there, George 🤝 pic.twitter.com/NAtgf0bcnB
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) August 3, 2025
The numbers indicate that Russell is a great option for Merc, and Toto Wolff seems to think so as well. He said, “When it comes to contract, let’s see. We will come out and say what kind of terms we have put forward. Definitely his standing in the team is strong. He has shown again in Budapest, and there’s no reason not to plan with George long-term.”
Wolff has applauded Russell’s efforts in the Mercedes garage since 2018, even behind the scenes. They signed him to the driver programme in 2017, and Russell has been a proper Mercedes talent since then.
The eight-time Constructors’ champions will have to deliver their star with a contending car, which may be trickier with the regulations change next year. It will be interesting to see how Russell’s career fares with Mercedes in the future.
