George Russell still needs to agree a contract extension with Mercedes, with his current deal expiring at the end of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Catch Friday's Hungarian Grand Prix practice sessions at 12pm and 4pm live on Sky Sports F1.
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George Russell says he is ready to invest in the opportunity to fight for the world title as he continues discussions with Mercedes over a new contract.
Russell said his interests and Mercedes' interests over his future were “not aligned”, leaving him “at risk” of leaving the team unexpectedly.
After Max Verstappen confirmed he will remain with Red Bull next year ahead of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell has become the most prominent driver whose future remains uncertain.
However, Sky Sports News reports that Russell is close to signing a long-term contract that will tie him to Mercedes until at least the end of 2027.
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“Throughout my career, up until last year, the team has been very supportive and given me great opportunities,” Russell said.
“Our goals were aligned, and what was in the team's best interests coincided with my best interests. The last six months have been a very unique situation where I don't have a lot of power in these types of agreements.
“Maybe the interests weren't aligned for a while, which of course puts me in a risky position over the last six months. But my job was to act and minimize that risk.”
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Bernie Collins and Nico Rosberg discuss whether Mercedes will extend Russell's contract, which is due to expire this year, following news that Max Verstappen will stay at Red Bull in 2026.
Russell has been a standout leader for Mercedes this season, taking an impressive win in Canada and taking podium finishes in four more races to take fourth place in the Drivers' Championship.
The 27-year-old driver said he “trusts” team principal Toto Wolff and that the new contract must be “right in every aspect”.
“I still believe in the team that will always support me during my performances, so that’s what I have to focus on,” he added.
“But of course the last few months for Kimi [Antonelli] and me have not been the most encouraging for our future and that has created some ambiguity.”
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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is confident that Russell and Kimi Antonelli will join the team's first team in 2026.
Russell: No need to agree on a contract
Russell's options during his contract negotiations were limited by the fact that he not only drives for Mercedes but is also the team manager.
Therefore, any discussions about a move to another team should technically be conducted by Mercedes.
Russell joined Mercedes' young driver programme in 2017, then
Sourse: skysports.com
