George Russell addresses Mercedes contract as Max Verstappen threat looms

George Russell has signalled he is in “no rush” to put pen to paper at Mercedes and commit his future to the team.

Russell is entering his fourth F1 season in Mercedes colours this year with his current contract running out at the end of the campaign.

The Briton's future has come under question across the last 12 months as Max Verstappen continues to be linked with a switch to the Brackley-based squad.

Following the exit of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, Russell has stepped up to a team leader role with rookie Kimi Antonelli joining alongside him.

Russell has detailed he is waiting to see how Mercedes develops throughout the year before entering the final stages of committing to the squad.

“If you're performing, people will want you,” Russell told media including RacingNews365. “It's not like I'm rushing to sign a contract if the team doesn't want to sign me.

“This is going both ways, we are in no rush. We want to see as the season progresses.”

George Russell highlights crucial 2026 aspect

However, Russell pinpointed the 2026 rule change as a crucial aspect regarding his decision to devote his services.

A major switch-up in the regulations is fast approaching which could shape the competitive picture for the next several years.

”We want to see how the car is developing into 2026 as well,” Russell said.

“We’ve got a big regulation change, and it's not just into 2026 it's also the longer term as well beyond.

“It’s not quite as simple as ‘let's just sign a contract’ and move on. We're talking about potentially the next three, four or five years of our lives for all of us here.

“When the time is right, we will spend the time to go over those items.

“But right now it isn't because the focus is getting Mercedes back to the front. And if it can't be this year, it's next year.”