Russell reveals Mercedes F1 contract timeline

George Russell has opened up on the ease of signing a new contract with Mercedes ahead of the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

The Brackley-based squad confirmed that Russell and Lewis Hamilton would continue as teammates until at least the end of 2025.

Russell has been part of the Mercedes family since early 2017 when he was signed to its junior programme before securing back-to-back title successes in GP3 and F2.

He was promoted to the Silver Arrows in place of Valtteri Bottas last season following a three-year F1 education with Williams, winning his first race in Brazil at the end of an impressive first campaign.

But Mercedes has endured a dip in form since Russell's arrival, coinciding with the introduction of new technical regulations.

Russell's easy talks

While Russell’s extension with Mercedes doesn’t come as a surprise, his talks with the team appeared to be much more straightforward compared to Hamilton’s.

The seven-time World Champion’s negotiations had been strung out over a matter of months and involved lawyers but speaking to media including RacingNews365.com, Russell explained his extension was "a very quick process".

"I don’t think it took more than two hours worth of conversations, just one evening before dinner," he added.

“It was never in doubt either way, so it was never really a concern for me.

“It feels like we’re married to one another, I’ve been part of this team since I was 17 years old as a driver in Formula 3.

“Toto made it very clear: ‘Win F3 you’ll get to F2. Win in F2, you’ll get a drive in F1. Do a good job with Williams and you’ll be in a Mercedes’.

“And if you’re in a Mercedes, you’ve got a good job of winning championships. It was pretty straightforward in that regard.

“I think that consistency is so important to build upon. We’re in that cycle at the moment of getting back to the top.

“So I’m very proud to continue with the team, this is just the beginning.”