Russell's Contract Clause Secures Mercedes Seat

George Russell says his Mercedes contract includes a performance-based clause that will automatically renew for 2027 if he hits an agreed target, a one-plus-one arrangement he says effectively puts his seat “in his hands.” He said delaying the signing produced substantially better terms than an earlier October 2024 deal would have. Russell framed the clause as protection against any renewed pursuit of Max Verstappen by Mercedes while stressing that strong performance will secure his place. Verstappen remains contracted to Red Bull through 2028. Despite a heated rivalry and recent public barbs, Russell said he would “relish” the chance to be Verstappen’s teammate and pointed to historical pairings as precedents. He described their interactions as cordial—“we just say hello”—and said off-track spats do not distract him from competing.