George Russell has had an excellent 2025 season so far, having just won the Singapore GP. The Brit is fourth in the championship, having secured two victories and podiums so far this season, and has helped Mercedes jump Ferrari into second place in the constructors’ championship.
However, Russell is yet to extend his contract with the Brackley-based team. The five-time Grand Prix winner’s contract expires at the end of the season, but he is still locked in negotiations with Mercedes. However, the 27-year-old has broken his silence on his future.
George Russell offers news on Mercedes contract extension
George Russell believes that his contract will be extended with Mercedes as he claims there is nothing to worry about. The Brit is confident he will extend his stay in Brackley, but that negotiations need to be done properly.
Speaking to the media in Singapore, Russell said, “Things need to be done right. It needs to be done with good care. There is nothing to worry about – it will get done when it gets done.”
Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff also believes it is almost a done deal, telling Sky Sports F1, “we are like super near” to extending Russell’s contract.
As it stands, neither Russell nor Kimi Antonelli has a contract next year to race for Mercedes. However, it is believed that the Silver Arrows will retain both drivers for the 2026 season.
Does George Russell deserve a new Mercedes contract?
George Russell has possibly had his most consistent year with Mercedes. He has already equalled his highest number of podiums in a season, and is just 38 points behind his highest points tally, set in 2022. With still six grand prix and three sprint races still to go, he will likely beat the tally if he continues this form.
Russell has only finished outside the top five on two occasions so far this term, in Monaco and Great Britain. With the W16 being competitive this year, the Brit has shown what he can do in machinery that can challenge for wins and podiums. This is important for next season.
Mercedes is being touted to have the best power unit for the 2026 engine regulation cycle. If this is the case, they will be expecting their drivers to challenge for wins regularly. Russell has shown this season that he can win, even without the fastest car. The 27-year-old has also shown he can put his car higher than it should be and is a consistent finisher.
Toto Wolff Opens Up On George Russell’s Long-Term Future at Mercedes Amid Contract Extension Talks
Mercedes needs Russell’s experience in their ranks next season. Antonelli has shown flashes of pace but is still raw and learning the trade. The sticking point might be the length of the contract.
Mercedes was linked with Max Verstappen earlier this season. If the Dutchman is available for the 2027 season, the Silver Arrows will pounce. That would possibly leave Russell without a drive. George wants long-term security and does not want to be replaced by the team. Based on this season, he deserves a new contract.
