Russell on lucrative Mercedes deal : ‘Toto could have been tighter’

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George Russell’s fresh contract with Mercedes deepens his roots with the Brackley squad but the Briton insists the new deal was driven by his championship ambitions, not by a bigger paycheck.

Yet reports suggest that Russell will head into next year with the comfort of a $40 million retainer (£30 million), a hefty salary that places the 27-year-old among the sport’s top earners.

Riding high following his dominant win in Singapore two weeks ago, Russell radiated contentment ahead of this weekend’s US Grand Prix, while making it clear that his motivation goes far beyond his bank balance.

“I'm really happy to be continuing,” Russell said in Austin on Thursday.

“The truth is if every single seat was available for next year and I could choose any single team to race for, I believe Mercedes is my best chance of winning the championship next year.

“And for me, it's more about winning than it is about money or sponsor days or anything. I want to win and this is what I'm fighting for, so that is the long and short of it.”

Performance First, Always

Russell, a five-time Grand Prix winner, said that for him, every deal comes down to what happens on track – not what’s written in the contract.

“I think it always just comes down to performance, I think, for any driver,” he said.

“At least for myself, what allows me to sleep well at night is knowing that my performances are strong and that is what will keep you in the sport as any driver.

“Our intention and my goal is to continue with Mercedes indefinitely, and we're here to focus on winning in 2026.”

The Briton’s comments underline his long-term commitment to Mercedes’ next era, as Formula 1’s sweeping regulation changes loom on the horizon. For Russell, the team’s ability to fight for titles again was the key deciding factor.

“Toto could have been tighter”

Still, Russell couldn’t resist a laugh when asked about his reported salary figure, admitting that team principal Toto Wolff didn’t exactly pinch pennies – even if he could have.

“I'm very happy to be honest, because given the situation and circumstances with me and the team, Toto could have been substantially tighter if he wanted to be,” Russell said.

©Mercedes

“But I think he really recognises that you need to reward those who are delivering, who are putting in the effort and delivering those results on track.

“That's why I'm sort of here with a smile on my face because I'm very happy with the offer. That's the bonus, but the main goal for me is a fast race car.”

With the Briton locked in and Mercedes’ long-term strategy taking shape, the message from Brackley is unmistakable – the Silver Arrows are gearing up to fight for championships again, and Russell is ready to lead that charge.

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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.