P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell has made a surprising admission about a clause in his new Mercedes F1 contract, the team having recently confirmed he will stay with the German marque.
George Russell has revealed a surprising detail about his new contract with Mercedes Formula 1 team, indicating that his seat for 2027 will depend on his performance next year.
Despite earlier speculations, both Russell and his rookie teammate Antonelli have been confirmed to stay with Mercedes for 2026.
The negotiation talks regarding Russell’s contract had been ongoing throughout the summer, with rumors suggesting a possible switch involving Max Verstappen.
Russell stated that the renewal clause in his contract will be triggered if he meets certain performance targets in the upcoming season.
He also mentioned that Mercedes’ delay in finalizing the deal worked in his favor, resulting in better terms than the initial offer put forward a year ago.
If the clause is activated, Russell could secure his position for the 2027 season, with the possibility of facing Verstappen as a teammate, something he seems prepared and eager to take on given his confidence in his abilities and past experiences with high-profile teammates.
