George Russell admits that his and Mercedes profits may have diverged over the past six months, bringing the “most unguaranteed” era for the future of him and his teammate Kimi Antoneri, but says he doesn’t feel pressured to conclude a new deal.
The potential availability of Max Verstappen was discussed between the team’s principal Toto Wolff and the four-time world champion, and Wolff informed the driver of those talks. Antonelli and Russell have yet to confirm whether they will drive for Mercedes next year, but there is a first-rate agreement and the British have admitted that uncertainty has become sometimes unstable as Wolf is in hand with Russell’s management.
“Until last year, throughout my entire career, the team has supported me so much and gave me such a great opportunity,” Russell said. “Our goals were consistent and it was also my biggest benefit to the team.
“Of course, the last six months have been a very unique situation that hasn’t had much power in this kind of agreement, and perhaps the profits have not been consistent for a while. Of course, the last six months have put me at risk.
“So, to be honest, I don’t know if it would be beneficial to put management into their own hands. I don’t want it to come to something like that. I still trust my team that they will always support me as long as I need to perform.
Despite that prospect, Russell said he wasn’t worried about whether the transaction was finished before the summer holidays, actually reducing his impatient wait time for confirmation.
“Not so (it wasn’t difficult to get Wolff),” he said.
“But the truth is, I’ve never been afraid of losing my seat. Of course, I’ve not even been at the table this year, even though you (the media) like to do big things.
“Maybe 12 months ago, I was a little more worried and wanted to sort things out or check them out in ’26. I felt the same way about it six months ago, but now I’m performing more than ever.
“I’ve been waiting so long, but I want to get through this weekend. I want to take a break next week. I want to enjoy a break. There’s no time pressure on my side. There’s no time pressure on the team.
The racers understand that the talks are actively progressing in relation to the multi-year extension, but Russell says that if he gives him the best chance, he is open to a shorter deal,” he said.
“From my side, I want to win – that’s the only thing I care about. I want to win, more than money, more than days of sponsorship, more than anything else.
