George Russell jokes about a possible career change if he leaves F1

George Russell joked that he might pose for a nude calendar if he fails to secure a seat in Formula 1 for the 2026 season.

George Russell without a contract in F1

The Briton is currently the only top driver without a contract for next year, despite a very convincing start to the 2025 season.

An extension with Mercedes is widely anticipated, but the longer time passes without a signature, the more speculation about his future multiplies.

George Russell has clearly expressed his desire to stay with Mercedes, even though the German team has long been interested in Max Verstappen, who is currently with Red Bull.

Despite recent statements from Toto Wolff suggesting that the Max Verstappen option was no longer on the table, George Russell has still not been extended.

Recently, rumors have even mentioned a surprising interest from Aston Martin in the Briton.

After his victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, George Russell jokingly mentioned an unusual career change.

Read also: George Russell hints he will still be a Mercedes driver in 2026

George Russell inspired by Valtteri Bottas?

« We have this crazy German photographer who lives in Los Angeles and joined us this weekend », said George Russell, speaking about Paul Ripke, a photographer who had collaborated with Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes.

« He is a friend of Valtteri and probably an inspiration for his nude calendars, his mullet haircut, and everything else », he added.

He is with us today, and he is the one who said: 'If I win, we must jump into the lake.'

Max Verstappen, present during the exchange, stated that George Russell should do the calendar, to which the Mercedes driver jokingly replied: "I'm seriously considering it. If I don't have a contract next year, I'll have to find a way to make a living."

After George Russell secured pole position in Montreal, Toto Wolff hinted that a deal was close: "He gives us every reason to do that quickly," he told Sky Sports F1.

We know what he is capable of, he has been leading the team for a while. He has speed and the right mindset. He has been a Mercedes driver for a long time, and we are following the planned course », explains Toto Wolff.