George Russell is one of the only drivers yet to have signed a contract for 2026. Negotiations with Mercedes have made relatively little progress, despite an extension (at least on paper) being the obvious choice for both parties.
Russell has repeatedly stated he will only sign a new deal if he is satisfied with the terms. Whilst many factors are reviewed in contract talks, arguably the most important for the Mercedes driver is the duration.
For a variety of reasons, the British driver wants a multi-year agreement. Mercedes, however, have shown an unwillingness to offer Russell terms that he deems adequate.
Despite Toto Wolff’s insistence that a new contract is merely a formality, the evidence suggests otherwise.
Canadian Grand Prix, Sonntag, LAT Images
Wolff downplays importance of multi-year deal
George Russell has been one of F1’s top performers for several years now, establishing himself as a vital contributor for Mercedes. You don’t need to look beyond this year to see Russell’s importance, having contributed 75% of the Silver Arrows’ points in 2025.
Despite his efforts for Mercedes, Russell is still in an awkward position in negotiations.
Throughout the first half of 2025, the British driver could only watch from the side lines as Verstappen negotiated with Toto Wolff.
Red Bull’s failure to keep pace with McLaren – alongside long-standing doubts about their 2026 project – catalysed the Quadruple Champions’ talks with the Brackley squad.
Crucially, these talks came at the expense of George Russell, who made no progress of his own. Of course, Toto Wolff has been consistent in praising Russell in his media commitments and interviews.
The Mercedes team principal even directly addressed his Verstappen negotiations after the summer break. When questioned about his talks with the Red Bull driver, Wolff was unapologetic – emphasising it is natural for him to speak with the best driver on the grid.
This certainly isn’t something people would disagree with. Most team principals will hold at least casual talks with high-profile drivers to gauge their availability.
However, in this particular case, Toto Wolff’s interest in Verstappen does not seem to be going away anytime soon. It was after the Italian GP that Wolff said Verstappen’s brilliance “makes everyone else look stupid.”
Beyond his praise for the Dutchman, the Mercedes team principal has minimised the importance of drivers having a long-term deal:
“I think it makes no difference,” he told Sky Sports. “Because they are anyway under tremendous pressure.
“If a driver says – ‘I’d be quicker if I would have a two-year contract’, then anyway that mindset is not right.”
Canadian Grand Prix, Samstag, Jiri Krenek
Why Russell can play the waiting game
Mercedes have a history of frustrating drivers with short-term contracts. Valtteri Bottas has been vocal about the impact of never having a multi-year agreement with the Silver Arrows.
Russell, of course, is in a very different position to the Finn. Russell has become the undisputed team leader at Brackley since Hamilton’s departure.
By almost every metric, the 27-year-old is doing maximising the machinery at his disposal. Despite this, Toto Wolff – like many others – sees Verstappen as a generational talent.
Because of this, there is a lingering feeling that Mercedes want to keep their options open for 2026. After all, Verstappen will have more flexibility to leave Red Bull in twelve months time.
This would put Russell, who justifiably feels he is deserving of a secure long-term place, in an uncertain position. As it stands, with no obvious alternatives in the market, Russell has no reason to back down and relinquish his demands.
This is a crucial moment for the 4-time race winner to give himself some security in the face of Mercedes’ persistent Verstappen flirtations. The question is who will blink first in these contract negotiations.
Main photo: Sam Bloxham (Mercedes media gallery)