The sun was blazing over Austin, Texas, as George Russell arrived at the Circuit of the Americas — the kind of entrance that had a little swagger to it. The city, famous for its slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” felt alive with its mix of music bars, street vendors, and students.
It’s one of Formula One’s favorite destinations, and this weekend, it’s also where Russell looked every bit like a man who had just secured his future.
A New Contract, A New Era at Mercedes
At just 27, Russell walked into the paddock with a grin that said it all.
He had just finalized a new multi-year contract with Mercedes reportedly worth around £30 million a year.
More than the money, though, it was the deal’s terms that made him proud — it officially confirmed his role as the team’s leading driver in the post-Lewis Hamilton era.
Negotiations with team principal Toto Wolff had stretched on for months, largely because of one key sticking point — the number of marketing and sponsorship appearances Russell was required to make each year.
Cutting Down the Off-Track Grind
For top drivers, promotional work comes with the territory — smiling for cameras, shaking hands, attending corporate dinners — all part of the glamorous yet exhausting F1 lifestyle. But Russell wanted change.
He successfully pushed to cut his marketing commitments from around 70 events a year to fewer than 50, believing that would help him stay sharper through the long and grueling 24-race season.
“I want to get ahead of the curve on this,” he said, explaining that the decision was about maintaining peak performance and longevity in one of the most demanding sports in the world.
Finding the Right Balance Between Work and Rest
Russell gave a glimpse into just how chaotic the F1 schedule can be.
“After Singapore, I left after an hour-and-a-half’s sleep to fly to Malaysia, then back to Singapore overnight, and then on to Switzerland to be with sponsors,” he shared.
“Is that the perfect recovery after the most physical race of the season? No. But it’s part of the job.”
The new arrangement with Mercedes, he added, was about finding balance.
The team worked to plan sponsor events closer to where he’s already traveling — a small but significant change that makes his schedule less punishing.
A Season That Proves His Worth
Russell’s confidence isn’t misplaced. Coming off a victory in Singapore, his second win of the 2025 season, and a strong performance in Azerbaijan despite battling a fever, he’s been one of the standout drivers of the year.
In fact, only Max Verstappen could arguably claim to have driven better this season.
And even then, Russell’s results in a not-quite-dominant Mercedes have turned heads across the paddock.
Outperforming His Teammates and Leading the Charge
It’s not just about pace on the track — it’s about consistency.
Russell has beaten Lewis Hamilton in two of their three seasons together and currently sits comfortably ahead of his new teammate, 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli, with 237 points to Antonelli’s 88.
While Antonelli has promise, many feel Mercedes may have pushed him into the spotlight too soon.
Some suggest he should have honed his craft at a smaller team first, away from the glare of constant media attention.
Eyes on the Future — and the Championship
With major regulation changes coming next year, Mercedes is already hard at work developing a new car and a potentially superior engine.
For Russell, this could be his best shot yet at claiming a world championship — something he’s been edging closer to since joining the Silver Arrows.
Verstappen Still in Mercedes’ Sights
Meanwhile, Toto Wolff hasn’t given up on the idea of one day bringing Max Verstappen to Mercedes.
The Dutchman remains loyal to Red Bull for now but is expected to reassess his options once the new regulations take effect.
If the Mercedes car proves the faster of the two, the door could be open for a blockbuster move.
For Now, George Russell Reigns Supreme at Mercedes
But that’s all speculation for the future. Right now, George Russell is Mercedes’ undisputed number one driver — confident, motivated, and finally recognized for the talent he’s always shown.
With a lighter schedule, a powerful car in development, and momentum on his side, Russell walks into Austin looking like a man on the verge of something big.