George Russell and Max Verstappen

Russell still waiting on Verstappen: ‘No contract yet’

15:58, 24 Jul

Updated: 16:21, 24 Jul

bySamson Ero

As the Formula 1 scene gears up for the second half of the season, George Russell’s future remains a topic of discussion. The British driver, however, has confirmed he remains without a contract offer from the Mercedes team ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.

The 27-year-old, who is currently in the final year of his deal at the Brackley-based outfit, detailed that he would love to pen a new contract, but the decision isn’t entirely his to make. Sharing his thoughts during his interaction with the media, including GPblog, at the Belgian Grand Prix press conference, he stated:

“I think it's got to be right both ways, to be honest. The intention was always pre-summer break because people go into summer and you want to get something sorted. I mean, realistically, is that going to be the case? I don't know."

"There is still no contract on the table, so to have something done in the space of two weeks is unlikely. And it's got to work both ways. You need to talk about final details, and Formula 1 is evolving so much now. You need to go through everything with a fine-tooth comb to make sure it's all okay.”

Russell, however, stressed he is in no hurry to make a decision regarding his future, adding that the ultimate outcome rests in Mercedes' hands.

“But as I said, there is no rush really from my side because ultimately, Toto and the team will decide what they wish to do, and I will be in a position of sort of reacting to what they wish to do. So as I said, I'm just focusing on performance, and everything else will sort itself out.”

Russell not losing sleep over his future

George Russell also stressed he is not losing sleep over his Mercedes future, despite being without a contract offer from the team. The four-time Grand Prix winner has notably seen his seat linked with Max Verstappen for the 2026 season.

However, Russell stressed that as long as he continues his impressive run of form, a new deal with the Brackley team will come.

“...and I've continued to perform. I just think, it's in my own hands. So there's no point losing sleep about it. Mercedes needs the best drivers in their race car, and I believe that I'm right up there. I don't think there's many people doing a better job.”