George Russell has shared an update on his contract situation with Mercedes during the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, admitting he has yet to sign a new deal with the team. His current agreement with the Silver Arrows is set to expire at the end of the season, sparking speculation about his future, especially with rumors linking Mercedes to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Despite being one of the standout drivers this year, Russell faces the possibility of entering free agency after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.
The British driver has enjoyed a strong campaign, securing victory at the Canadian Grand Prix and adding four additional podium finishes, earning 147 points across 13 races. However, Mercedes’ performance has been inconsistent compared to rivals McLaren and Red Bull, raising questions about the team’s direction. Russell has consistently scored points, missing out only in Monaco, proving his reliability as team leader. Even so, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff appears reluctant to finalize a new contract, possibly due to interest in signing Verstappen, who is rumored to be considering a move away from Red Bull after a difficult spell.
Wolff’s long-standing interest in Verstappen dates back to 2014, and the Dutchman’s availability has reignited those ambitions. Retaining young talent Kimi Antonelli is also reportedly a priority for Mercedes, which could leave Russell’s future hanging in the balance. Despite this, Russell remains composed, expressing confidence that his performance on track will secure his place. Speaking to the media at Spa, he admitted there is no urgency from his side, stating that Mercedes will ultimately make the decision, and he will adapt accordingly.
Russell explained that discussions were initially expected to conclude before the summer break, but no formal offer has been made. He acknowledged that negotiations take time, especially given the constant evolution of Formula 1, where contracts need to be carefully reviewed. The Brit emphasized that he is focused solely on delivering results on track, believing that everything else will naturally fall into place. His calm demeanor suggests he isn’t panicking despite the uncertainty surrounding his seat.
Mercedes’ measured approach to contract renewals is not new, particularly during the current ground-effect era. Russell himself experienced delays when signing his last deal in 2023, while Lewis Hamilton’s contract was only finalized at the same time, despite expiring that same year. With both Russell and Antonelli out of contract at the end of 2025, Wolff is expected to take his time before confirming the team’s driver lineup for the new regulations. Announcements are likely to come after the Hungarian Grand Prix and ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, leaving fans eagerly waiting for clarity on Mercedes’ future plans.
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