P1racenews AI automatic summary:
“I don’t want to rush it, I’ve waited 12 months so I won’t rush it over two weeks.”
George Russell has made it clear he won’t be rushed into signing a new F1 contract with Mercedes, insisting there’s “no time pressure” to finalize a deal over the summer break. Russell’s F1 future has remained a hot topic throughout the 2025 F1 season, as he is out of contract at the end of the year. Despite impressive performances, his Mercedes future was uncertain until Verstappen confirmed staying with Red Bull for 2026. Russell sent a message to Mercedes after securing his sixth top-three finish, emphasizing there’s no rush in negotiations. The 27-year-old driver aims to rest, recharge, and come back stronger, prioritizing the right timing over hastiness in contract talks. Looking ahead, Russell outlines Mercedes’ goal to consistently be the ‘best of the rest’ behind McLaren in the upcoming races.
