Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that negotiations for George Russell’s 2026 contract are very close to completion, coming just before the British driver clinched pole position at the Singapore Grand Prix. This development marks a significant step in securing Russell’s future with the team amid an ongoing period of uncertainty.
Despite Russell’s strong form throughout the current Formula 1 season, where he holds fourth place in the drivers’ championship with 212 points, he remains without a confirmed deal beyond 2025 with the Brackley-based Mercedes outfit. The team’s focus has shifted to finalising terms with Russell and his rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli following the conclusion of Max Verstappen’s contract talks earlier this year.
Progress Report on Contract Discussions
When asked about the status of Russell’s contract at the Singapore GP, Toto Wolff described the situation as “super near,” indicating that an agreement is close but not yet finalized. Wolff’s comments suggest that Mercedes is committed to retaining the young driver as part of their future plans.
Russell occupies a distinct place in the negotiation process because Mercedes also manages his career, which adds a layer of complexity uncommon in driver-team relationships. This dual role means that the interests of the driver and the team are intertwined, although this has not always been straightforward.
Russell Reflects on Past Support and Present Challenges
Speaking ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell acknowledged the strong support Mercedes has provided through his career, linking his ambitions closely with those of the team. He said,
“I mean, from my whole career until last year, the team have supported me so much and given me such amazing opportunities. Our goals have been aligned and what has been in the best interest of the team has also been in the best interest of me,”
George Russell, British driver
Russell also admitted that the last six months have been unusual and somewhat precarious, given the conflicting interests between his own aspirations and the team’s current stance. He elaborated,
“Now, of course, these last six months have been a very unique situation where I don’t have huge power in that sort of agreement and maybe the interests were not aligned for some time, which has, of course, put me at risk for these last six months, but then it was my job to perform and reduce that risk.”
George Russell, British driver
While maintaining trust in Wolff and Mercedes, Russell shared that the ongoing ambiguity surrounding both his and Antonelli’s futures has been challenging, saying,
“I don’t know, to be honest. I don’t wish for it to come to anything like that [to take his career into his own hands]. I still trust Toto and I still trust in the team that they will always support me as long as I’m performing. So that’s what I need to focus on. But of course, for both Kimi and I, these past months have not been the most assuring for our future and that’s just been a bit conflicting.”
George Russell, British driver
Performance Highlights Amid Contract Uncertainty
Russell’s ability to deliver results under pressure has been evident throughout the 2025 season. Although McLaren has dominated much of the year so far, Russell secured a memorable victory at the Canadian Grand Prix and has appeared on the podium seven times. His performances have reinforced his value to Mercedes during these tense negotiation discussions.
What the Future Holds for Russell and Mercedes
The near-completion of George Russell’s 2026 contract symbolizes a critical juncture for the team as it continues to rebuild and refine its lineup for upcoming seasons. Securing Russell alongside promising rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli is part of Mercedes’ strategy to maintain competitiveness amid fierce rivalry, particularly from teams like McLaren and Red Bull.
This agreement is likely to provide Russell with the stability needed to focus fully on his driving, while confirming Mercedes’ commitment to nurturing young talent. For the team leadership, finalising these contracts demonstrates a priority to stabilize their driver roster amid shifting dynamics in Formula 1.
