George Russell, the Mercedes driver, has described the current F1 driver market as “abnormal” due to the high number of drivers locked into long-term contracts.
With his own contract set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, Russell suggested that drivers signing extended deals early might lack confidence in their abilities.
“Many drivers are fixated on securing their futures early, which could show they don’t have as much self-belief,” Russell said in an interview with The Athletic.
“Performance is our only currency. If you deliver, the rest takes care of itself. But if you don’t, teams will find a way to move on, contract or not.”
Russell’s comments come amid speculation about potential driver movements. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, has been heavily linked with a switch from Red Bull to Mercedes, though Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has indicated that Russell’s strong performances make him a prime candidate for a new deal.
Unlike most of the grid, who are tied to multi-year contracts, Russell is among the few needing to negotiate fresh terms.
Reflecting on past practices at Mercedes, Russell noted, “When Lewis (Hamilton) was here, contract talks never started before June or July. The rush to sign long-term deals so early is what’s unusual now.”
The driver market’s dynamics could lead to significant changes in the coming months. “When teams or drivers aren’t satisfied, they push for change,” Russell added. “Next year’s summer break will be interesting.”
The next opportunity for drivers to showcase their talent is the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, where teams will compete over 57 laps of the 5.412-kilometer Miami International Autodrome on May 4. Fans are eager to see how performances in Miami might influence the evolving driver market.
