George Russell says his Mercedes contract includes a performance-related clause that automatically secures his cockpit for 2027
George Russell has revealed details of a clause in his Mercedes contract that is designed to protect him from four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. As long as the Briton performs well, his cockpit is secure.
The British driver signed a contract extension with the Brackley-based team after months of negotiations. Russell’s future was the focus of attention at the start of the season when Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff confirmed that he had held talks with Verstappen about a possible cockpit for 2026.
Although Wolff admitted that the likelihood of signing the Dutchman for next year was very low, he was in no hurry to extend the contracts of Russell and his rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Clause in the contract
Shortly after the rumors about Mercedes, Verstappen reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull for 2026, but left the door open for a future departure from Milton Keynes. Although Russell now has a guaranteed extension at Mercedes, the question remained whether he would have to worry again next year.
However, in an interview with the Telegraph, the 27-year-old has now confirmed that his contract will be automatically extended for 2027 if he achieves a target agreed with Mercedes. This means that his future in the Wolff-led team is in his own hands.
“It’s something I haven’t said publicly before, but the deal is this: if I perform [next year], we have a special clause that says we automatically extend for 2027 if I achieve [the target],” Russell said. “So my cockpit for 2027 is in my hands.”
Russell played poker
“So I’m not going to be strung along here. We’re not going to be in the same situation we were six months ago. If I perform, and I don’t want to go into detail, but if I perform, then I’ll stay 100 percent.”
Regarding the delays in negotiations, he added: “Everything is working out for the best. I actually wanted to sign the contract in October 2024, but the deal I got today is much better than the one I would have gotten back then. So yes, sometimes you just have to trust your abilities, and I feel like I’m only getting stronger.”