© Richard Pardon for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
George Russell says Mercedes’ potential title chances play a big role in his decision to remain with the team, because he would “pay to fight for a world championship”.
George Russell’s contract with Mercedes expires at the end of 2025, and his future with the team has not yet been decided.
During a talk with Sky Sports F1’s Craig Slater, George was asked whether his next deal with Mercedes was the most complicated of his career, and George said it was not a simple decision, even for him.
“Yeah, for sure,” the Briton said.
“I’m seven years into Formula 1 right now. I feel that I’m at my peak and I still feel that I’m getting stronger as a driver.
“I was maybe more anxious about getting a deal done maybe 12 months ago than 6 months ago ahead of 2026.
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“But right now, I’ve sort of waited so long, I want to make sure it’s right and it’s got to be right for the team. It’s got to be right for myself, it’s got to all make sense. The duration has to be right both ways.
“So it’s not as simple as just saying, ‘are you happy with what you’re being paid,’ I mean that’s a very small factor of it.
“You know you’ve got to have faith in the performance as well in future, because I would pay to be a world champion, pay to fight for a world championship.
“And that’s where I am right now, that is the priority for me,” Russell concluded.
