George Russell in Austin - Photo: Race Pictures

Did Russell really get everything he wanted from his new Mercedes deal?

08:27, 17 Oct

Updated: 09:48, 17 Oct

byTobia Elia

Fresh off signing a new multi-year deal with Mercedes, George Russell has revealed more details about his new contract.

"Given the situation and circumstances with me and the team, Toto could have been substantially tighter if he wanted to be"

- George Russell

Speaking to GPblog about whether he got the terms he wanted — and if there’s an option to leave should Mercedes struggle in 2026 — the Briton said: "I'm very happy, to be honest, because given the situation and circumstances with me and the team, Toto could have been substantially tighter if he wanted to be.

"I think he really recognizes that you need to reward those who are delivering, who are putting in the effort and delivering those results on track."

Russell said he’s very pleased with his new deal but made it clear that his main priority remains having a competitive car ahead of the major regulation changes coming in 2026.

George Russell ahead of the Singapore GP - Photo: Race Pictures

"As I said, that's why I'm sort of here with a smile on my face, because I'm very happy with the offer. And as I said, it could have been much tighter if he wanted to be. So, as I said, that's the bonus. But the main goal for me is a fast race car."

Finally, when asked if he has the option to walk away from his contract should the car prove uncompetitive, Russell replied: "I think that's, for any driver — at least in my approach — you cross bridges as they come.

"The goal is to be successful, and then you cross the bridge thereafter if you're winning and everything is going as you dream of, and vice versa.

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"Next year is my fifth year with the team. If we're not winning, that would be very disappointing for both of us. But that is not something we're even thinking about. We're not even thinking about what the potentials are for next year. All we're thinking about is working incredibly hard to give ourselves the best shot at winning."

Antonelli and Russell’s new deals revealed

With both George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli initially out of contract after 2025, speculation had been mounting for months — not least because of the constant rumours linking Max Verstappen to the Silver Arrows.

Now that the uncertainty is finally over, both drivers can focus on the road ahead. But how long will they be staying with the team? Here’s what GPblog has learned.

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