George Russell, the Mercedes driver, has stated that he is “not stressed” about the ongoing discussions regarding his contract renewal with the team. He believes that in Formula 1, long-term contracts hold less significance than consistent performance.
The 27-year-old British racer is currently in the final year of his agreement with Mercedes. Despite his strong performances, a contract extension has not yet been finalized, leading to speculation within the F1 community.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes` team principal, mentioned last month that the team`s previous interest in signing Max Verstappen from Red Bull was currently on hold. However, the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen`s position at Red Bull, combined with Russell`s contract situation, keeps the driver market a hot topic.
When questioned about his contract before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, Russell responded that he feels no pressure or concern regarding the situation.
He elaborated, noting the widespread attention contracts receive, but emphasized that ultimately, a driver`s performance is the most crucial factor. Poor performance, regardless of contract length, can lead to a driver being replaced.
Russell highlighted that for drivers, performance is their primary asset. Good performance ensures job security and opportunities. He expressed his focus on the upcoming race weekend and delivering strong results, confident that his future would resolve itself.
Addressing rumors about his contract negotiations, Russell acknowledged that some reports might have a degree of accuracy. However, he pointed out that Mercedes typically initiates contract discussions later in the season, around May or June.
Furthermore, Russell downplayed the importance of lengthy contracts, arguing that most driver contracts include exit clauses based on performance. He suggested that a long-term contract doesn`t guarantee security if a driver underperforms or if a team decides to move in a different direction. In such a competitive environment, teams will always find a way to make changes if they deem it necessary. Russell concluded that the key is to concentrate on driving to the best of his ability.
