Overview
- Russell told The Telegraph his 2026 contract includes an automatic extension to 2027 that activates if he meets specified performance goals.
- The exact targets were not disclosed, and Russell characterized the clause as putting his 2027 seat in his own hands.
- Mercedes previously announced Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli only for the 2026 season, avoiding its typical multi‑year wording.
- The arrangement follows Toto Wolff’s acknowledgment of exploratory talks with Max Verstappen earlier this year, leaving long‑term options open.
- Russell said patience yielded a better deal than he would have signed in October 2024 and pointed to increased confidence, two wins, and five podiums in 2025 as strengthening his case.