George Russell reveals that Mercedes ‘never’ did one thing in F1 contract talks with Lewis Hamilton

George Russell has taken the reins as lead driver at Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton left for Ferrari. The Brit spent three seasons as the seven-time champion’s teammate.

The 27-year-old replaced Valtteri Bottas at the Silver Arrows in 2022, having spent three seasons with Williams. Mercedes entered the ground-effect era off the back of winning eight consecutive constructors’ championships.

But the turn of the regulations brought struggles for Mercedes as they regressed dramatically in performance. Russell took advantage over his opportunity at the Brackley outfit to beat Hamilton in his first season by 35 points, winning his first Grand Prix in Sao Paulo.

Peter Windsor says Hamilton lost the ability to be ‘self-critical’ when Russell joined the team, as he began to relate everything to the fellow Brit rather than how he felt about the car. The seven-time champion regained the advantage at Mercedes in 2023, but was dominated by Russell last season.

Before 2024 had even started, Hamilton had already decided to join Ferrari on a multi-year deal. The move came as a complete surprise to Mercedes, which makes sense given what Russell recently revealed about the team’s contract negotiations.

George Russell reveals Mercedes ‘never’ discussed Lewis Hamilton’s contract before June or July

Russell found Hamilton’s move a ‘total bombshell’ as he announced his exit in February 2024. The Brit had signed a two-year extension to his Mercedes contract in August 2023.

It seems quite strange for the Brackley outfit to get the deal over the line over the summer break, given Hamilton’s incredible success in F1 as a seven-time champion and the most successful driver statistically in history.

However, speaking to The Athletic, Russell revealed that Mercedes ‘never’ negotiated contracts woth Hamilton before June or July. It explains why Hamilton’s replacement, Kimi Antonelli, signed for the Silver Arrows during the Italian GP weekend in August 2024.

“When Lewis was here, they never discussed the contract prior to June (or) July. It was always the summer,” he said. “The abnormal part is probably how many drivers have signed so early.”

READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height

Where does George Russell sit with his contract negotiations with Mercedes for 2026?

Russell is ‘relishing’ being without Hamilton at Mercedes. After five races, he has grabbed three podiums and sits fourth in the standings, 26 points behind Oscar Piastri.

It marks his best start to a season with Mercedes. Given his form, it is surprising that the Brit has not been tied down to a new deal – he finds himself in a complex situation.

Max Verstappen has been linked with Mercedes amid his frustrations at Red Bull. Both Russell and Antonelli are out of contract in 2025 – Toto Wolff surely would not want to miss out on the Dutchman for a second time after holding talks last season.

Red Bull have held ‘informal chats’ with Russell over a possible deal if Verstappen leaves for Mercedes. Christian Horner previously expressed his interest in the Brit, but his intention is to stay put in Brackley.