Russell won’t sign new Mercedes F1 deal during break

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George Russell has made it clear he won’t be putting pen to paper on a new Mercedes Formula 1 contract during the sport’s summer break, despite mounting speculation about his future beyond 2025.

While the 27-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of next season, Russell insists there is no urgency or concern on either side – and that a renewal is simply a matter of timing.

Contract extensions are often finalized during the August break, when F1 shuts down for several weeks before resuming in Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix.

But Russell appears content to let talks play out at a more deliberate pace, particularly now that Max Verstappen has ruled out a surprise switch to Mercedes.

“I've got nothing to be worried about,” Russell told Sky Sports F1 following last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. “And nothing's going to happen over summer because, honestly, I just want to have a rest and recharge and come back stronger for the second half of the year.

“But there's no time pressure either way now. So it'll happen when it will happen.”

No Rush, Just the Right Fit

Russell has been a key part of Mercedes’ plans since joining its junior program and has steadily grown into a leadership role since stepping up to the main team in 2022.

With four Grand Prix wins to his name and strong form in 2025 – including a victory in Canada and fourth in the standings – he is widely expected to remain the team’s long-term anchor.

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Still, with sweeping regulation changes coming in 2026, Russell is determined to ensure the conditions of his next deal support long-term competitiveness.

“I'm 27 now, I've been with the team for four years,” he said. “Next year would be my fifth. We want to build the relationship together, but it's got to be right and I don't want to rush it.

“I've been waiting 12 months. I'm not going to just rush it in the course of two weeks. So we'll sit down when the time is right.”

Despite the lack of a formal agreement, Russell is not treating the situation as being uncertain or precarious.

As he put it plainly: “It’s a when, not if.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.