George Russell clarifies Mercedes contract clause that is putting him at ease about Max Verstappen

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George Russell believes he has no reason to be “concerned” that Mercedes could look to sign Max Verstappen for 2027, amid doubts over his rival’s future in F1 for Red Bull.

Mercedes team principal and co-owner Toto Wolff has openly confirmed that he has tried to sign Verstappen in recent years. But the Silver Arrows have not been able to fully entertain a move, as the Dutchman was never in a position to use one of his release clauses at Red Bull.

Verstappen could get the option to leave Red Bull at the end of the 2026 season, though, as he only has to be outside the top two in the F1 drivers’ standings at the summer break. It is also believed that Verstappen would have from August to October to use his release clause.

Red Bull’s early difficulties this term, with the RB22 showing chronic balance problems, even make it highly likely that Verstappen will have a decision to make. Although, a full departure may also be on the cards, as Verstappen has threatened to retire from F1 at the end of 2026.

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George Russell says he will ‘definitely’ be at Mercedes in 2027, despite links with Max Verstappen

Before the 28-year-old revealed his threats to retire at the Japanese Grand Prix, Wolff ruled out Mercedes signing Verstappen for 2027, as they are happy with Russell and Andrea Kimi  Antonelli. But it has since been said that Wolff is almost certain to target Verstappen again.

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Russell does not believe he has any reason to be worried that Wolff may want Mercedes to sign Verstappen, however. The Briton believes that while he is only under contract for 2026, the performance-based clause in his contract makes it very likely that he will not be leaving.

“Other than me announcing it here on your camera now, there is nothing to be concerned about,” Russell told BBC Sport. “Of course, there are options [in my contract], but they are performance-based.

“At the moment, the performance is very strong, so things will definitely be continuing. Yes, [the clause is based on the 2026 F1 drivers’ championship].”

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It has been suggested that Russell may have to win the 2026 drivers’ title to trigger the one-year option to extend his contract with Mercedes. But the 28-year-old’s comments suggest the clause could be more friendly in his favour than having to outright become a champion.

Russell currently sits second in the standings with a nine-point deficit to Antonelli, but he is comfortably clear of Verstappen in ninth. Verstappen scored just 12 points through the first three rounds of the season, whereas Mercedes duo Antonelli and Russell scored 72 and 63.

Yet all the while that Verstappen might be on the market, the 71-time Grand Prix winner will likely be linked with Mercedes. Wolff confirmed that he spoke with Verstappen’s manager in 2025 when it was possible that the Dutchman could move, and he will not want to miss out.