George Russell has entered an attractive position in the 2025 Formula One season. With Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari, Russell took over the veteran role at Mercedes.
But like Antonelli, Russell reached the year on an expired contract.
Thanks to an incredible start to the 2025 season, Russell will finish three podiums over four race weekends, finishing fourth in Saudi Arabia’s Grand Prix this week in the driver’s championship rankings.
Speaking to Jeddah’s media, Russell emphasized that he had not emphasized his contract status with the team.
“From my side, there’s literally no stress or worry,” Russell began. Talk to Sky Sports F1. “When it comes to contracts, everyone gets really excited about it. The fact is that the drivers have a contract and if they don’t run it, they will start up.
“For drivers, performance is our currency. That’s what we have. And if you perform, everything is good. So I’m excited to go to the race this weekend and focus on performance and sort the future.”
Russell was also asked about a Report from Autosport That he had a new contract with the team, which would have seen rumours about Mercedes, who signed two more seasons with a third option and are interested in securing Max Verstappen’s service if possible.
“The rumors are by no means true,” replied Russell.
“I didn’t listen much when you said the rumors. I think some of them are pretty close, but at the end of the day we’ve never discussed contracts before May or June of the season.”
Russell then explained the “ruthless” nature of Formula 1. Here, “Drive to Survive” is not the name of the documentary series, but the way of life.
“I think what’s more outrageous is the number of drivers who have these, some sort of long-term deal.
“But everyone has an exit clause. They all have a performance clause. They are drivers who have a three-year contract. If there is an exit clause, or if the team has an exit clause if the driver doesn’t run, that doesn’t really make much sense.
“If you have a contract with a team and the team wants to leave, the team will find a way to leave you.
“That’s how the sport works, we’re the best 20 in the world and we’re ruthless, so it should work. There’s no time to ruin what’s around.
Russell will turn his attention to driving faster on Friday in the first practice session of three practice sessions at the Tricky Jeddah Corniche circuit.
