George Russell sends 'no danger' message as Mercedes contract renewal drags on

George Russell cannot envisage his Mercedes contract renewal failing to be completed before the end of the current F1 season.

The British driver is expected to stay with the eight-time constructors' champions next year, with the extension of his deal but a formality at this stage.

However, he has yet to sign on the dotted line, something that has taken longer than anticipated, especially given that team principal Toto Wolff confirmed weeks ago that the four-time grand prix winner and team-mate Kimi Antonelli would be his drivers in 2026.

Russell has been one of the stand-out performers in F1 this campaign, but Wolff's long-standing interest in Max Verstappen has disrupted the process of committing to the 27-year-old, who has always been clear about his desire to stay at Mercedes.

Despite the Dutchman staying put at Red Bull for at least next year, there have been further delays to Russell's new deal.

When asked in front of media, including RacingNews365, ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, if he had an update on the situation, Russell responded: "Surprise. No dates to give you. I told you you'd be the first to know when there's something to report.

The Mercedes driver was adamant that he wanted things "done right", placing an emphasis on "good care" going into negotiations and the subsequent agreement.

"I think for any driver, when you get to a certain point in your career, things have to be done right," he added.

"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 when it gets done."

Setting a timeframe

It has been speculated that contract length has been the sticking point between the two parties, as Mercedes prefers 'one-plus-one' deals with a team option.

That approach would not provide Russell with complete security, even more so given Wolff's lingering interest in Verstappen and how much the Brackley-based squad has invested in Antonelli.

Nonetheless, he maintains the situation will be wrapped up before the end of the season. When asked by RacingNews365 if there was any danger of negotiations going beyond that point, he said: "No, I don't think so. It shouldn’t, to be honest.

"Yeah, 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."