diff --git a/python/default.nix b/python/default.nix
index b826e18c351..0df76bfdba0 100644
--- a/python/default.nix
+++ b/python/default.nix
@@ -28,6 +28,8 @@ python.pkgs.buildPythonPackage {
     mesonConfigurePhase
   '';
 
+  mesonBuildType = "release";
+
   doInstallCheck = true;
   installCheckPhase = "meson test -v";