George Russell has revealed that his long-awaited contract extension with Mercedes includes a unique clause giving him full control over his Formula 1 future beyond 2026 – provided he delivers on-track next season.
The 27-year-old Briton, who finally agreed terms with the Brackley-based team after months of speculation, confirmed that his new deal contains an automatic renewal trigger for 2027, tied directly to performance targets.
The arrangement ensures that Russell’s seat is safe if he meets Mercedes’ expectations – effectively putting his fate in his own hands.
“It is something I haven't actually said publicly, but the deal is, if I'm performing [next year], we have a specific clause that if I reach [a target], we will automatically renew for 2027,” Russell told The Telegraph.
“So my seat for 2027 is in my hands. So I'm not being strung along here. We're not going to be in the same position as we were six months ago.
“If I perform, and I don't want to go into details, but if I perform, then 100% I'll be staying.”
Mercedes Locks Down Its Future – For Now
Russell’s announcement comes after months of uncertainty within the Mercedes camp, as team principal Toto Wolff openly admitted to holding exploratory talks with Max Verstappen about a potential 2026 move.
Although Wolff later downplayed the chances of luring the Dutchman away from Red Bull, the delay in extending contracts for both Russell and rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli fueled speculation about Mercedes’ long-term driver strategy.
©Mercedes
By embedding a performance-based extension into his deal, Russell has effectively ensured he won’t face the same limbo again. His confidence in the clause also signals how central he expects to remain to Mercedes’ post-Hamilton era.
Still, the clause doesn’t entirely close the door on a possible Verstappen-to-Mercedes scenario further down the line.
While the Dutchman has reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull for 2026, he has left the door ajar for a future switch – a prospect Wolff has not dismissed outright. Whether Russell’s new arrangement could complicate such a blockbuster move remains an open question.
Patience Pays Off
Reflecting on the protracted negotiations, Russell admitted that the drawn-out process – while frustrating at times – ultimately worked to his advantage.
“Everything works out for the best,” he said. “I actually wanted to sign the deal back in October 2024 but the deal I got today is substantially better than what I would have got had I signed it then.
“So yeah, sometimes I think you just have to trust in your ability and I feel I'm only getting stronger.”
The new deal comes as Mercedes continues its rebuilding phase following the end of Lewis Hamilton’s tenure and amid ongoing efforts to reclaim championship-winning form under the upcoming 2026 power unit regulations.
For Russell, who has steadily matured into the team’s de facto leader, the clause marks both a show of faith and a challenge: his future depends entirely on his performance behind the wheel.
If he delivers, he stays. If not, Mercedes’ door could reopen – perhaps just in time for another world champion to come knocking.
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