AUSTIN, Texas — The George Russell that arrived at the paddock Thursday at the Circuit of the Americas might just be the most confident version yet.
Sure, some of that confidence is rooted in the new deal the driver put pen to paper on, ending months of speculation regarding his position with Mercedes for next season. There might even be some confidence due to his win at the Singapore Grand Prix.
But there was an undercurrent to his confidence when he met with the media here on Thursday, one rooted in something else.
A belief that when the new Formula 1 regulations arrive next season, Mercedes might just be the team to beat.
One of the worst-kept secrets in the paddock these days is the belief that Mercedes will be on the front foot when those regulations arrive. While there are miles to go before those beliefs can crystallize into reality, Russell’s comments on Thursday certainly made it seem as if staying in Brackley is his best shot at the front of the field.
“Well for me I’m really happy to be continuing [with Mercedes] because the truth is if every single seat was available for next year and I could choose any single team to race for, I believe Mercedes is my best chance of winning the championship next year, and for me winning is is more about winning than it is about money or sponsor days or anything,” began Russell.
“I want to win, and this is what I’m fighting for.”
Pressed on assurances beyond 2026, Russell pointed to his performance, and again to the idea of winning next season.
“What allows me to sleep well at night is knowing that my performances are strong and that is what will keep you in the sport as any driver,” continued Russell. “As I said, our intention and my goal is to continue with Mercedes indefinitely, and we’re here to focus on winning in 2026.”
Russell then emphasized that his happiness with the news had little to do with the money, but everything to do with winning.
“Sitting here now very happy and excited about continuing with Mercedes, not because of the money or freedom or whatever it may be, but because I believe this is my best chance to win,” added Russell.
Russell was not the only driver to emphasize what next season could bring when meeting the media on Thursday. During his media session, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly also spoke of his optimism for next year, when Mercedes power units arrive and Alpine becomes a Mercedes customer.
But the George Russell that met the media here on Thursday in Austin is a version that thinks a world title could be in his grasp at Mercedes.
Maybe there is some truth to that worst-kept paddock secret.
