Russell: I'm still not 100% back to my best.

      George Russell admitted he still hasn’t fully recovered from the health problems that almost forced him to miss the race in Baku, but assured that he is much better. However, the press conference in Singapore began with a different topic.

      George Russell: “I have no news regarding the 2026 contract. I’ll say it again: when there is news, you’ll be the first to know. I suppose any driver who reaches a certain stage of their career wants everything to be done properly. That is the most important thing every time you renew a contract, because everything needs to be done with as much care as possible.

      There’s nothing to worry about. It will happen when the contract is signed. And I don’t consider myself a difficult negotiator. But I’m convinced that all agreements should be fair and mutually beneficial. I think we all strive for that. Of course, situations can vary — some drivers have more leverage, others less. But for now I have nothing to tell.”

      Since Russell had health issues during the Baku race weekend — which didn’t stop him from finishing second — he was asked in Singapore about how he was feeling.

      “Yes, to be honest, I’m already feeling better,” the Mercedes driver confirmed. “Baku was tough, I felt unwell and I still haven’t recovered to 100%, but my condition has already improved significantly.

      If it were any other race, I wouldn’t have worried at all, but of course Singapore is Singapore, and there are obvious challenges to face here. However, I’m confident everything will be fine.”

      This weekend, because of the high air temperatures typical of Singapore’s climate, the FIA for the first time issued a special warning instructing teams and drivers to use special cooling vests.

      Russell already has experience using this system: “We’ve used cooling vests several times this season at races held in hot conditions. But of course this is the first time their use has been made mandatory — I think that’s good news.

      Not everyone finds the vest truly comfortable, but I think some drivers are more comfortable in it than others. Of course, over time there will be the opportunity to tune the system to individual preferences, but I think the concept itself is good.

      When you have to race in 90 percent humidity and cockpit temperatures reach 60 degrees Celsius, the car is like a sauna. So we all welcome the introduction of such cooling systems.”