George Russell told in an interview in Singapore why he has not yet signed a contract extension with Mercedes. There is a lot of speculation about his future.

In the bustling paddock of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, where the lights of Singapore illuminate the night, George Russell gave a rare insight into the negotiations over his future at Mercedes. The 27-year-old British driver, who had just taken his second win of the season in a dominant race, spoke openly about the delay in contract talks. “Every contract extension is the most important of your life,” Russell said during the press conference on Thursday morning. “It has to be done right, with care and mutual benefit. There is no rush, and it will come around when it comes around.” His words refuted the rumors that have been swirling around the Formula 1 paddock for months, but did little to dampen the speculation. With just six races remaining in the 2025 season, Russell’s position at Mercedes remains one of the sport’s biggest mysteries.

Russell’s current contract expires after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, and although team principal Toto Wolff has repeatedly insisted the Brit is a ‘formality’ for 2026, no signature has yet been made. Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Russell explained why the delay continues. “I have received several proposals, but they do not yet fit what I have in mind,” he confided. The core of the dispute revolves around the duration of the contract and the associated obligations. Mercedes is offering a ‘one-plus-one’ deal, with an option for an extra year in 2027, but Russell is pushing for a longer commitment, ideally until 2028 or beyond. He also wants to reduce the number of mandatory marketing days from the proposed 60 to a lower number, in order to put more focus on his racing performance. “It has to be fair to both parties,” he emphasized. “I give everything on the court, and that should be rewarded with stability.”

These revelations come at a time when Russell is peaking in form. In Singapore he started from pole position and led the race from start to finish, with a lead of more than 20 seconds over his nearest pursuer, Lando Norris of McLaren. It was his second win of the year, following a convincing triumph in Canada earlier this season, and it gave him fourth place in the championship with 212 points – just 43 points behind Max Verstappen in third. Without Russell’s consistent points contribution, Mercedes would not be in second place in the Constructors’ Championship, 27 points ahead of Ferrari. His teammate, 18-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli, on the other hand, is struggling with an inconsistent season, with just 63 points and recent slips in races such as Imola and Zandvoort. Wolff praised Russell after the race as “formidable” and recognized a clear step forward in his leadership within the team. “Good things take a while,” the Austrian cryptically joked about the contract delay, referring to the victory in Singapore.

Yet the speculation continues to rage. The delay raises questions about Mercedes’ long -term strategy, especially now that the sport is entering a new control regime with revised engines and aerodynamics in 2026. Wolff’s earlier flirt with Max Verstappen – who eventually remained with Red Bull – has thrown shadows over Russell’s position. Rumors suggest that Mercedes wants to keep a door open for top drivers such as Charles Leclerc, whose Ferrari contract could end in 2026 if the Scuderia does not perform. “If Max of Charles becomes available, Mercedes wants to remain flexible,” whispers a source within the Paddock. Russell himself dismisses these theories. “I am a Mercedes driver through and through. I grew up here in the junior program, and I believe I am one of the best. They need me, and I have them.” But his patience starts to shrink; He admitted that he has been waiting for a final offer for a year.

The negotiations have been going on for months, with a dip during the summer holidays. Russell consciously opted for postponement, because he wanted “everything to be perfect”. Earlier reports spoke of a deal worth 30 million pounds per year, with an option for extension, but Russell has rejected several versions. “It’s not just about money,” he explained in Singapore. “It’s about balance: racing, sponsors, traveling. I don’t want a short -term contract that makes me uncertain, especially with the changes in 2026.” His approach is praised as smart; By performing on the track – with seven stages this season, despite a recent disease in Baku – he strengthens his negotiating position. Former Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg, now analyst at Sky Sports, compares it with his own experiences: “Toto is a hard negotiator, but George has grown. He knows his value.”

Russell’s dedication to Mercedes remains unsuspecting outside the negotiating table. He defends the team publicly, even in difficult moments, and Mentort Antonelli as a big brother. “Performance is our currency,” he said laughing in the press conference, referring to his pole in Montreal and stage in Azerbaijan despite breathing problems. “If you perform, the rest falls into place.” Fans and experts agree: Russell deserves more certainty. On social media it buzzes with the statements of support, with hashtags such as #signgeemenu that are trending after his Singapore victory. However, critics point to Mercedes’ history with short -term deals, such as those of Lewis Hamilton in 2021, which led to his departure to Ferrari.

While the lights of Singapore and pull the circus to the United States, the question remains: will Russell put a signature for Austin? After the race, Wolff hinted on rapid handling: “We are close, but counting details.” For Russell it is simpler: “No danger that it will be winter without a deal, but I don’t expect it.” His future at Mercedes depends on a delicate balance between loyalty and ambition. In a sport where seconds count, this delay seems like eternity. But one thing is certain: with Russell at the wheel, Mercedes remains a force to take into account, contract or no contract. The speculations will continue until the ink dries – or until the flag falls in Abu Dhabi.