George Russell has joked about launching a nude calendar if he fails to secure a Formula 1 seat for the 2026 season.
The British driver is currently the most high-profile name on the grid without a confirmed contract for next year, despite delivering a strong performance in the early part of the 2025 season.
While many expect Russell to extend his deal with Mercedes, no agreement has been officially announced. The delay has sparked growing speculation about his future, especially as the team has previously expressed interest in signing Max Verstappen from Red Bull.
Although Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff recently suggested that Verstappen is no longer a target, Russell remains without a new contract. Meanwhile, Aston Martin has reportedly shown surprise interest in signing him.
After winning the Canadian Grand Prix, Russell joked about a possible alternative career. Referring to German photographer Paul Ripke—who once worked with former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas—Russell made light of the situation.
“We have this crazy German who’s living in Los Angeles and has rejoined us this weekend,” Russell said. “He’s a friend of Valtteri’s and probably inspired Valtteri’s nude calendars and mullet style.”
“He’s here with us, and he said, ‘If I win, we need to jump in the lake,’” Russell added.
During the media interaction, Max Verstappen suggested that Russell should consider doing a calendar. Russell replied with a laugh: “Well, I’m considering the calendar. If I don’t have a contract next year, I need to bring the calendar out to bring in the income.”
Russell’s win in Montreal and his earlier pole position there have strengthened his case for a contract renewal. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Wolff hinted that a new deal may be close.
“He’s giving us every reason to move quickly,” Wolff said. “We know what he can do. He’s been leading the team for some time now. He has the speed and the right mindset.
“He’s been part of the Mercedes program for a long time, and we are following the plan we’ve always had.”
