Russell targets drivers 'obsessed with securing their future' ahead of contract extension

In many ways, George Russell seems to have risen at the start of this year. Sometimes he seems overconfident in the face of a Lewis Hamilton Still well established during his first seasons at the wheel of his Silver Arrow, the British driver has moved up the ranks. Vice-president of the drivers' association, now leader of his team, and multiplying his own media outings, even complimentary towards his competitors, the one supported by the German firm since he occupied a seat in Formula 3 expressed his many ambitions before approaching Miami.

At the heart of recent speculation, the future already appears to be a major issue for him. In addition to his consistent results throughout the current season, George Russell is intriguing the less patient about his contract. Indeed, it expires at the end of 2025. So, in this seemingly urgent context, the future of Max Verstappen has for example become a subject reaching the ears of Toto wolff in recent weeks. The Team Principal of Mercedes, owner of a third of the team, however denied the existence of any form of discussions with the four-time world champion.

Interviewed by The Athletic at the weekend, George Russell addressed a number of issues with the English newspaper. Better prepared and calmer about his results, the driver of the No. 63 Mercedes is also more relaxed about his contract. For him, looking too far ahead would be a mistake many rivals have made in the past.

The future is not yet certain for George Russell and Mercedes

"I feel like a lot of pilots who are obsessed with securing their future may lack self-confidence and feel the need for security., he said with great transparency. The fact is, if you have a contract and you don't perform, the team always finds a way to get rid of you. Performance is our only value, He adds. And if you perform well, the rest takes care of itself.”

Quick to point to Lewis Hamilton's performance over the past few weeks, notably stating that the seven-time world champion still had the ability to return to the highest level, George Russell also pointed out that for his elder, contract negotiation periods were no different in his time. "When Lewis was here, they never discussed the contract until June or July. It was always summer. The most abnormal thing is probably the number of drivers who signed so early."

Without ever directly mentioning any specific teams, Russell seems to be clear-eyed about the sometimes fickle nature of some contracts signed on the grid. For him, his situation is healthy and trust seems to be at the highest level between him and his team. Denouncing a form of "hype" around his case, the Briton demonstrates in any case a recurrence of which only McLaren might not fade at the start of the 2025 season. While waiting for the summer, the new Mercedes emblem in Formula 1 is performing well at this stage, and is certainly looking to complete a new top 5 this week in Miami.

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