George Russell shields Mercedes place from Verstappen

George Russell has recovered a clever mode to support his spot astatine Mercedes, contempt rumours of a Max Verstappen joining. The Briton has confirmed that his caller declaration has a peculiar clause that volition support him successful the squad until 2027, provided helium meets definite show targets. In doing so, the experienced operator has made it wide that his destiny is up to him – and not successful negotiations with the four-time satellite champion.

Two weeks aft signing his declaration for adjacent season, the 25-year-old Russell revealed to The Telegraph: 

“It’s thing I’ve ne'er really said publicly, but there’s a peculiar clause successful the declaration that if I bash good successful 2026, it’s automatically extended to 2027. So my spot for 2027 is successful my hands.”

The Briton added: 

"I'm not being pulled by the nose. We're not going to beryllium successful the concern similar six months agone again. If I thrust good - and I don't privation to spell into details - but if I execute that, past I'm staying, 100%."

The Brackley broadside did not uncover the nonstop magnitude of the contract, but it is wide that Russell's superb play successful 2025 gives grounds for confidence. The peculiar clause is simply a safeguard successful lawsuit Mercedes decides to negociate with Verstappen. Russell volition proceed to thrust alongside team-mate Andrea Antonelli, and his 2 wins this play further corroborate the quality.

A determination that paid off

Although practice for the 2026 play was ne'er successful doubt, negotiations dragged connected until mid-October. Russell says: 

"Everything ever works retired successful the end. I really wanted to motion backmost successful October 2024, but the woody I've got present is acold amended than what I would person had then. So sometimes you conscionable person to judge successful your abilities - and I consciousness similar I'm getting stronger each day."

This connection comes astatine a clip erstwhile his presumption successful the squad volition beryllium the astir talked astir adjacent year. It is wide that Mercedes brag Toto Wolff wants to bring successful Verstappen, truthful Russell's aboriginal volition proceed to beryllium a taxable of treatment and speculation among fans and pundits.