George Russell reflects on his contract negotiations with Mercedes during the past 2025 season. The Mercedes driver reveals how a pivotal moment in these negotiations coincided with his victory in Singapore. Russell learned the following: ‘My emotions have never really affected my performance’.
George Russell revealed last June during the Grand Prix weekend in Austria that Mercedes was in talks with Max Verstappen. The Brit thus sparked a flurry of rumors and speculations about the Dutchman’s future in Formula 1. Only when Mercedes confirmed in October to continue with Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as their line-up, did this come to an end.
The Brit looks back on this turbulent period, and the lessons he has learned. “I think I definitely learned something from this, namely that it’s not really necessary to worry too much about what’s happening outside of Formula 1,” concludes Russell, speaking to PlanetF1. “You can be the nicest person or the most hated, but when you get in the car and do your job, no one remembers the rest. The only thing that counts are the lap times.”
Singapore
George Russell‘s ability to deliver in a Formula 1 car was particularly evident in Singapore. The British driver crossed the finish line a good five seconds ahead of Max Verstappen, securing his second victory of the year. Russell discusses how his win at the Marina Bay Street Circuit coincided with a critical moment in his contract negotiations with Mercedes. “Singapore was probably the weekend where the pressure was highest regarding our negotiations, and that was the weekend I drove my best race of the year,” the driver shares.
“So yes, I am quite proud of how I handled everything, but I never had any doubts. I didn’t think that the pressure would improve my performance. I also didn’t think it would worsen my performance,” the Brit adds. “I’ve learned for myself that my emotions have never really affected my performance. So I knew that all the fuss wouldn’t affect my results. It’s good to get confirmation of that again.”
