George Russell has put pen to paper on a new deal with Mercedes, but only after he had one particular clause revised. The Briton made the change with long-term plans in mind.
Mercedes confirmed on Wednesday that both Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have signed new deals, keeping them at Brackley through at least the 2026 F1 season. Both drivers were initially set to see their contracts expire at the end of 2025 before agreeing extensions.
Russell and Antonelli’s renewals became a formality once it was clear Max Verstappen wouldn’t be leaving Red Bull. Verstappen’s exit clause would only have been triggered if he fell outside the top three in the drivers’ standings by the summer break, which didn’t happen.
Russell’s new multi-year deal is reportedly worth £30m a season, reflecting his status as team leader. He’s already scored 237 of Mercedes’ 325 points this year and picked up two race wins along the way.
George Russell wants to show the entire F1 paddock his value surpasses general opinion
Russell started from pole position in Montreal, and won the Singapore Grand Prix from pole again in October. Both wins came in a season where he finished on the podium eight times through the first 18 races of the 24-race calendar.
Despite his leadership role following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, Mercedes were only willing to offer Russell a 1+1-year deal. According to FunoAnalisiTecnica, he eventually accepted those terms.
He had initially pushed back against a short-term deal, believing it favoured Mercedes over him. Wolff has made no secret of keeping an eye on Verstappen’s future availability, with an exit clause potentially becoming active if Verstappen isn’t in the championship top two by next summer.
The contract includes an option for 2027, giving both sides flexibility depending on how things play out over the next couple of seasons.
Russell now sees this period as a chance to prove his worth across the grid. He doesn’t want to be tied down if other opportunities arise heading into 2027 and is aiming to show teams that he can bring more than what public perception currently suggests.
George Russell’s new deal gives him flexibility ahead of Major F1 changes in 2026
Russell has been with Mercedes since taking over from Valtteri Bottas in 2022, but his arrival coincided with the team’s decline, as they have struggled to get to grips with the ground-effect regulations introduced that year.
With significant changes coming in 2026, Russell may have positioned himself well. The new season will see one of the biggest rule changes yet, affecting engines, aerodynamics, chassis, and tyres — all of which could shake up the order on the grid.
There’s growing belief that Mercedes could have a strong engine package for the new rules era. If they’re back at the front again, Russell could benefit significantly. But if another team emerges faster, he’ll be free to consider a move for 2027.
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