George Russell pinpoints crucial requirement in F1 contract power struggle

George Russell has voiced his belief that F1 driver contracts must be "mutually beneficial", whilst dismissing the suggestion he is a tough negotiator.

The Briton is locked into a prolonged extension process with Mercedes, as the two parties look to sew up his future for the 2026 season.

Both want a new deal, but negotiations have taken longer than anticipated. It is believed that the length of the contract is the biggest sticking point at this stage, but Russell does not expect the process to fall into the F1 off-season.

Team principal Toto Wolff is adamant that a 'one plus one' deal — with a team option for 2027 — is the right course of action, and that has been Mercedes' standard approach in recent years.

However, it is widely speculated that Russell wants more long-term security, especially given the considerable interest his boss still harbours in Max Verstappen.

If the Dutchman does become available at the end of next season, despite being contracted to Red Bull until 2028, there is a strong possibility the four-time grand prix winner finds himself on the outside looking in.

Although he has been one of the stand-out performers in F1 this campaign, young team-mate Kimi Antonelli has been heavily invested in by the team, and many consider the 19-year-old to have the makings of a generational talent.

Russell's precarious future with the Brackley-based squad aside, Wolff has been vocal about his desire to continue with the British driver next year, with the forthcoming contract a mere formality at this stage, regardless of delays.

Due to the slow pace of the process, Russell was asked various questions on the matter ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.

When it was queried by media, including RacingNews365, if he is a tough negotiator, he quickly replied: "How many of these questions? You keep on going!" to FIA press conference host Tom Clarkson.

"No, I don't think so. I think it's just about something that's fair, mutually beneficial. I think that's what we all chase."

Whilst those remarks might be thinly-veiled given his current situation with Mercedes, 27-year-old acknowledged that different drivers up and down the paddock have varying levels of bargaining power, and was keen to reiterate that there is nothing to report at the moment.

"It's obviously different for certain drivers who may have a bit more power, may have a bit less power," he said.

"But as I said, no more updates. Nothing to report. I'll be glad to tell you all once there is."

It is understood that the two parties are still separated in a few areas, including PR days and contract length and potential clauses.

However, after Russell stormed to victory at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Wolff claimed it was merely details that needed to be ironed out and not any "big topics" to agree upon.