Why Russell doesn't crave a long-term Mercedes F1 contract

George Russell says he doesn't need long-term security as he looks to renew his Mercedes Formula 1 deal, which is set to expire at the end of 2025.

Now Max Verstappen has publicly committed to Red Bull for 2026 and put an end to incessant speculation over a Mercedes swap, the ball is the Silver Arrows' court to sort out fresh contracts for Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, which is expected to happen over the summer break.

For rookie Antonelli, being rewarded with a new deal amid a difficult spell for him could provide a welcome boost, a formal display of Mercedes backing its soon-to-be 19-year-old talent as he learns the trade ahead of the all-important 2026 rules shift.

While Russell is also managed by Mercedes, like Antonelli, his situation is quite different to that of his team-mate. Having driven what he feels is his best and most consistent season yet in year seven and approaching the peak of his powers at the age of 27, one would imagine Russell would command a long-term contract with Mercedes.

A deal to reflect his value to the Silver Arrows, and to cement his place as the squad's lead driver well into the new regulations cycle that Mercedes hopes can bring it back to winning ways - its last title came in 2021. 

But just like Verstappen is still keeping his options open for 2027 and beyond, with exit clauses coming into play again next summer, Russell also doesn't appear to be too worried about long-term stability, and he favours flexibility instead.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images

"The priority for me is having a world championship winning car, and I want that to be with Mercedes. That is the number one priority," Russell told Autosport ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. 

"I think drivers who are chasing long-term deals feel they need that security. I've never had a long-term deal, and I don't need a long-term deal, because it should always be about performance. And if I'm not performing, the team shouldn't be tied in with me. That's as simple as that."

Of course, that also means having the flexibility to do the same thing just in case Mercedes doesn't deliver.

"It should work both ways," he nodded. "But I'm not really chasing anything right now, and I've not really been in a position to chase."

Expanding on his future later on, in his open media session, Russell admitted that his and Mercedes' interests have been "a bit conflicting" for the first time as the squad entertained the idea of prying loose Verstappen.

Asked if the silly season saga showed it would be a good idea for him to be taking his future into his own hands, he said: "From my whole career until last year, the team has supported me so much and given me such amazing opportunities. Our goals have been aligned and what has been in the best interest of the team has also been in the best interest of me. 

George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images

"Of course, these last six months have been a very unique situation where I don't have huge power in that sort of agreement and maybe the interests were not aligned for some time, which has, of course, put me at risk for these last six months, but then it was my job to perform and reduce that risk.

"I don't know, to be honest. I don't wish for it to come to anything like that. I still trust Toto [Wolff] and I still trust in the team that they will always support me as long as I'm performing, so that's what I need to focus on. 

"But of course, for both Kimi and I, these past months have not been the most assuring for our future and that's just been a bit conflicting."