Why George Russell’s Mercedes F1 Contract Is Taking Longer Than Expected

George Russell’s Mercedes renewal remains unsigned as 2026’s rules reset approaches, with negotiations slowed by marketing obligations, salary, and contract length. Brackley aims to close the deal before the new season.

Mercedes has pivoted resources toward 2026, ending 2025 car work early. The focus is a new power unit and architecture intended to challenge Red Bull after the regulatory shift.

The team publicly backs Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, yet formal paperwork is pending. Confidence remains high internally that agreement will be reached.

One sticking point is publicity workload. Russell seeks fewer promotional days, reflecting tighter schedules and the commercial demands placed on lead drivers.

Two core issues dominate talks: salary and term. Russell’s recent form supports a higher valuation, and both sides are calibrating that against budget-cap era constraints.

Contract length is equally strategic. A conventional two-year deal offers stability, while a 1+1 structure preserves flexibility for both team and driver.

Flexibility matters if the driver market shifts post-2026. That includes monitoring Max Verstappen’s positioning, as outlined in recent updates on his future at Red Bull and beyond 2026.

Russell’s stance is clear. He prioritizes a winning car over term, preferring the option to reassess once Mercedes’ 2026 package proves its competitiveness.

His management ties to Mercedes’ junior programme add history, not handcuffs. There is no legal mechanism preventing a move elsewhere if opportunity arises.

Toto Wolff maintains confidence a deal will be concluded. The objective remains clarity well before pre-season, protecting planning for operations and development.

The 2026 regulations reshape competitive baselines, with greater electrical deployment and revised chassis concepts. That creates upside and risk for any long-term commitment.

Mercedes’ approach reflects that uncertainty. It wants Russell’s experience alongside Antonelli while retaining optionality during a volatile cycle of change.

Expect resolution in the coming months as Mercedes aligns commercial terms with performance targets set for the new rules era and the broader industry’s 2026 transition.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.