George Russell says a new Mercedes contract must be “done right” but does not expect negotiations to run into the post-season.
Russell is the most high-profile F1 driver without a confirmed seat for 2026 and speculation about his future has gone on throughout the summer after Max Verstappen confirmed in July he would not be joining Mercedes, despite talks between his camp and Toto Wolff.
Wolff stated at the end of August that a new contract for Russell was “a formality” and Sky Sports News understands talks between the parties have been advancing towards a multi-year deal which would see him stay at the team until at least the end of 2027.
“I think for for any driver, when you get to a certain point in your career, things have be done right,” said Russell ahead of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.
“Every time you renew a contract it’s the most important one of of your life, and it has to be done with good care. There’s nothing to worry about. It will get done.
“It’s just about something that’s fair, mutually beneficial. I think that’s what we all will chase. It’s obviously different for certain drivers who may have a bit more power, may have a bit less power. No more updates, nothing to report and I’ll be glad to tell you all once there is.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is sure George Russell will extend his contract with the team beyond this season
The length of Russell’s contract will provide a telling sign about how much Mercedes back their star driver, given Verstappen could become available if Red Bull are not competitive in 2026 when new regulations begin.
Russell, who joined Mercedes from Williams in 2022, himself chose not to be embroiled in negotiations during F1’s summer break in August but expects for a new contract to be signed before the end of this season in December.
“Things are moving and progressing. As I’ve said on numerous occasions before, it’s not like we sit at home on the sofa with our feet up and nothing else is going on,” he said.
Martin Brundle and Jamie Chadwick discussed George Russell’s future earlier this year ahead of the summer break
“I’ve been in Brackley and Brixworth this week, working hard on the sim, looking ahead also to next year. Last week, I had a couple of sponsor events, training, getting back in shape. Our schedules are extremely busy.
“There is no danger of that [not having a contract going into the winter] happening but if it does, it does. But I don’t expect it to.”
Sky Sports F1’s Singapore GP schedule
Friday October 3
8.05am: F1 Academy Practice
10am: Singapore Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 10.30am)
11.55am: F1 Academy Qualifying
12.40pm: Team principals’ press conference
1.45pm: Singapore Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 2pm)
3.15pm: The F1 Show
Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Singapore Grand Prix
Saturday October 4
7.55am: F1 Academy Race 1
10.15am: Singapore Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 10.30am)
1pm: Singapore Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
2pm: SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
4pm: Ted’s Quali Notebook
Sunday October 5
8.20am: F1 Academy Race 2
11.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Singapore GP build-up
1pm: THE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
3pm: Chequered Flag: Singapore GP reaction
4pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
The 2025 Formula 1 title fight continues under the lights at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
