Overview
- Russell said his deal will renew automatically for 2027 if he meets defined performance targets next season.
- He described his 2027 seat as “in my hands” and said he would “100%” stay if he hits the clause’s threshold.
- Mercedes’ October announcement named Russell and Antonelli solely for 2026 without multi‑year language during the run‑up to the 2026 regulations change.
- Russell said he wanted to sign in October 2024 but secured a substantially better agreement by waiting.
- Coverage notes the clause secures his near-term future while leaving any longer-term moves, including a potential Verstappen switch, as speculative.