George Russell makes five-word Mercedes statement as F1 ace in contract limbo | F1 | Sport

George Russell has assured fans that “there’s nothing to worry about” regarding his Mercedes contract talks. The 27-year-old’s current terms expire at the end of the 2025 campaign, but Toto Wolff is yet to dish out a new deal to either of his incumbent drivers.

Russell’s contract talks have been a topic of discussion since before the summer break. Max Verstappen was heavily linked with a move to the Silver Arrows, but since he committed his future to Red Bull for 2026, the path has been clear for the Brit to put pen to paper on new terms.

And still, over two months on from Verstappen’s pledge at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell’s new deal is yet to be announced. According to the Mercedes driver, though, there is nothing to be concerned about.

Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Russell was asked directly whether a contract had already been signed, with only an announcement missing. “No,” he replied. “I told you, you’d be the first to know when there’s something to report.”

Probed about the length of discussions, he added: “No, I think for any driver, when you get to a certain point in your career, things have to be done right. I think every time you renew a contract, it’s the most important one of your life, and it has to be done with good care. There’s nothing to worry about, and it will get done.”

With only seven races remaining in the 2025 campaign, time is running out for Mercedes and Russell to strike a deal before the season finale in Abu Dhabi. However, the Brit is not concerned that negotiations could stretch into the off-season.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express F1 newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

“No, I don’t think it should, to be honest,” he said. “Things are moving and progressing, and, as I’ve said on numerous occasions before, between races it’s not like we sit at home on the sofa with our feet up and nothing else is going on.

“I’ve been in Brackley and Brixworth this week, working hard on the sim, looking ahead also to next year. Last week, a couple of sponsor events, training, getting back in shape. So, our schedules are extremely busy and, as I said, there is no necessary danger of that happening, but if it does, it does. But I don’t expect it to.”

Mercedes boss Wolff is also working on a new contract for Russell’s young team-mate, Kimi Antonelli. The Italian prodigy has endured a challenging rookie year with the Silver Arrows, but the highlights of his 2025 campaign have been encouraging enough to command another season to prove his talents.