George Russell explains ‘the truth’ behind Mercedes’ drop in performance in the 2025 F1 season

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George Russell is now in his fourth season with Mercedes, and it is arguably one of his strongest starts yet, having won in Canada and taken six podiums.

His win in Canada was a dominant one although Mercedes were quick to admit that it was largely due to the climactic conditions at the track, which were not likely to be repeated for the rest of the season.

It is another season in which Mercedes are hampered by a specific issue relating to tyres, and their ability to maintain temperature in the right operating window.

Mercedes’ Toto Wolff wants engineers to stop using it as an excuse for their poor form and figure out a solution, but the last few races suggest they will likely be putting up with it for the remainder of the year.

Russell spoke to Autosport about his season so far and admitted that the team had taken a step backwards, but also explained why he doesn’t expect it to be an issue in 2026.

George Russell says 95 per cent of Mercedes focusing on 2026 F1 season

F1 will enter a new era in 2026 with all-new chassis and power unit regulations, offering a reset to the current pecking order.

Mercedes is expected to come out strong in 2026, and now that teams have been able to work on their chassis since January, Russell has admitted that focus has now nearly fully switched.

“This recent lack of performance is not ideal, but actually, the truth is 95 per cent of the workforce is already on 2026,” said Russell.

“So, that group of people is not in the sort of emotional cycle that you would ordinarily be in.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 Team from team principal to lineage

The future of George Russell at Mercedes still in question

Despite being the lead driver at Mercedes, Russell is among a few drivers on the grid who do not have their seat secured for 2026.

Russell has no intentions of leaving Mercedes, despite there being rumours linking him to Aston Martin for the future.

Max Verstappen has also been on the radar for Mercedes, although it is unlikely the pair will be in the same team, especially with Kimi Antonelli.

Wolff has said Antonelli and Russell are the ‘priority’ for Mercedes, but there has yet to be any agreement for an extension announced, leading to questions over if they will keep their current lineup.