Mercedes driver George Russell has confirmed he will not finalise a new contract with the team during Formula 1's summer break, despite reported interest from rival outfits.
The 27-year-old British driver, who secured his sixth podium finish of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, plans to take ten days off for rest and recuperation.
"I'm going straight on holiday, I'm going to do 10 days off!" Russell told Sky Sports F1.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
George Russell has told Mercedes he is going on holiday and not thinking about his contract situation
| GettyBoth Aston Martin and Cadillac are reportedly monitoring the four-time Grand Prix winner's situation, as he enters the final months of his current Mercedes deal.
Russell appears unconcerned about his contractual situation, expressing confidence that an agreement with Mercedes is inevitable.
"There's no time pressure. It will happen, it will happen," he stated. "It's when, not if."
The King's Lynn native, who has been with Mercedes for four years, emphasised his desire to continue building his relationship with the team whilst ensuring any agreement is properly considered.
"I don't want to rush it. I've been waiting 12 months. I'm not just going to rush it over the course of two weeks. We will sit down when the time is right," Russell explained.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff now faces a challenging situation after Max Verstappen committed to Red Bull for 2026, ending any possibility of the Dutchman joining the Silver Arrows.
Wolff had delayed contract negotiations whilst pursuing Verstappen, leaving both Russell and teammate Kimi Antonelli without agreements for 2026.
The Austrian had previously indicated in May that both drivers would have their futures resolved by the conclusion of the summer break.
"George and I are totally clear on how this is going to go and 100 per cent alignment. There is no such thing as dragging this on because that's not what we do," Wolff stated.
READ MORE: ITV make decision on Gary Lineker hosting their World Cup coverage after signing deal with BBC rival
Toto Wolff appears to be unconcerned by George Russell's contract situation
| PARussell's composed stance regarding his future comes despite an impressive campaign that sees him positioned just 15 points behind third-placed Verstappen in the championship standings.
The British driver acknowledged that departing Mercedes would represent a considerable gamble, particularly with new technical regulations commencing next season.
"I've got nothing to be worried about," Russell told Sky Sports F1 on Sunday. "And nothing's going to happen over summer."
Meanwhile, Antonelli's prospects appear less certain, with the Italian youngster managing only two top-10 results across the previous eight race weekends, adding complexity to Mercedes' driver decisions for 2026.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS: