As the 2025 Formula 1 season roars into action, all eyes are on George Russell and his future with Mercedes.
With his current contract set to expire at the end of this year, the Briton, now in his fourth season with the team, has signaled he is in “no rush” to make a decision.
Following Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari, Russell has stepped into the leadership role at Mercedes, now partnering with rookie Kimi Antonelli.
The 25-year-old has been candid about his stance, emphasizing that the decision to stay will hinge on Mercedes’ progress this season.
“If you’re performing, people will want you,” Russell remarked confidently when speaking to media, including RacingNews365. “This is going both ways. We are in no rush.”
Key to Russell’s deliberations is the incoming regulation overhaul in 2026, which is set to reshape the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
“We’ve got a big regulation change,” Russell said.
“It’s not just about 2026 but also the longer term… potentially the next three, four or five years.”
As Mercedes focuses on regaining its competitive edge, Russell’s patience reflects his commitment to not just the immediate challenges but also the team’s strategic direction in the years to come.
Adding to the intrigue is ongoing speculation linking reigning World Champion Max Verstappen to a potential future with Mercedes.
While team boss Toto Wolff has downplayed such rumors, the prospect of Verstappen joining the Brackley squad further intensifies the spotlight on Russell’s contract talks.
For now, Russell remains focused on delivering results and aiding Mercedes’ resurgence. “The focus is getting Mercedes back to the front,” he emphasized. “If it can’t be this year, it’s next year.”
