George Russell: Mercedes driver says he has 'no stress' over contract situation as 'they don't really mean anything' Trending Global News

George Russell says that he feels that there is no “tension” on his ongoing wait for a new Mercedes deal because he believes that the long -term contract in Formula 1 “really means anything”.

The 27 -year -old British driver is in the final year of his current deal with Silver Arrow, with the absence of specially notable expansion due to his strong performance.

Mercedes’ team Principal Toto Wolf said last month that he had laid out last year’s public efforts to sign the world champion Max Vastapain, but Dutchman’s red bull team’s volatility and Russell’s unprotected future has ensured that it is doing one thing.

Asked about his contract status before Saudi Arabia Grand Prix at the end of this week, Russell said: “From my side, there is no tension, no concern.

“When it comes to contracts, everyone gets very excited about it, and the fact that the drivers have a contract, and if they do not perform, they will boot.

“For drivers, performance is our currency. That’s what we have performed. Everything is good. So, I am excited to racing at the end of this week, focus on performance, and the future separates itself.”

Russell: Some rumors’ perfectly closer ‘for the truth’

Russell has made a very strong start for his 2025 campaign, with three podiums in the first four rounds to sit just 14 points away from McLaren’s Lando Noris at the top of the standing.

Autosport Earlier this week, it was reported that Russell was close to signing a two -year extension with one option for another season in 2028.

Russell Brooks of Sky Sports F1 asked Russell about the validity of that rumor, as well as alternative principles, he has not yet discussed with Mercedes, and that his strong form is a burning sensation for the Vestapen Camp as it will weaken their conversations.

Russell replied: “There are never rumors that they are not true.

“When you said rumors, I didn’t really hear so much. Some of them are appropriately close, I think, but at the end of the day, we have never discussed a contract before May or June in a season.”

The three -time Grand Prix winner then explained why he believes to sign a long -term contract that it is not a great importance.

He said: “I would say that the more unusual point is how many drivers have these, types, long -term deals.

“But all have found clauses to get out, they have found all the performance clauses. A driver who is on a three -year contract, it really does not mean anything if they have found a exhaust segment, or the team has a exhaust segment if the driver does not perform. It doesn’t really matter much.

“If you have found a contract with a team, but the team wants you to leave, the team finds a way to go to you.

“This is how this game works, and how it should work because we are 20 best in the world and it is ruthless. There is no time to mess up all around. You can all focus on rapid driving.”

Saudi Arabia GP Schedule of Sky Sports F1

Friday 18 April

10.50am: F2 practice
12 noon: F1 Academy Practice
2PM: Saudi Arabia GP practice one (session starts at 2.30 pm)
3.55PM: F2 qualifying
4.40PM: Team Boss Press Conference
5.45PM: Saudi Arabia GP practice two (session starts at 6 pm)
7.25PM: F1 Academy qualifying
8.10PM: F1 Show

Saturday 19 April

1.15PM: F1 Academy Race 1
2.05PM: Saudi Arabia GP exercise three (session starts at 2.30 pm)*
4.10PM: F2 Sprint
5.10PM: Saudi Arabia GP qualifying build-up
6 pm: Saudi Arabia GP qualifying

Sunday 20 April

1pm: F1 Academy Race 2
2.20PM: F2 feature race
4.30PM: Saudi Arabia GP Build-Up: Grand Prix Sunday
6 pm: Saudi Arabia Grand Prix*
8PM: Saudi Arabia GP Reaction: Checker Flag

*Sky Sports also stays at the main event

Formula 1 completed its first triple-header of 2025 in Jeddah with Saudi Arabia Grand Prix later this week, living on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with Now – No contract, ever cancel