P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell has denied the notion that the delay behind him signing a new contract with Mercedes is due to his desire to possess a longer-term deal in F1.
George Russell has refuted claims that the delay in his contract talks with Mercedes stems from his desire for a longer-term deal in Formula 1. The confirmation of Max Verstappen staying at Red Bull has practically ensured Russell’s stay at Mercedes alongside Kimi Andrea Antonelli, following his impressive season with six podium finishes in 14 races. Russell emphasized that while he values his worth to the team, the contract’s length has not been a major issue. He stated that his focus remains on achieving a World Championship-winning car with Mercedes and that performance should be the determining factor.
Russell also highlighted the strategic advantage of not being tied down to a long-term contract, keeping his options open in case Mercedes cannot provide a competitive car for a title challenge. Despite Mercedes’ dominance being disrupted by Red Bull and McLaren in recent years, Russell remains patient, looking ahead to the upcoming regulatory changes in 2026. He expressed his hunger to perform and admitted that the road to a championship in Formula 1 can be challenging, citing examples like Michael Schumacher’s path to success with Ferrari. Russell, at 27, believes he still has time on his side to achieve his championship aspirations in the sport.
