Mercedes driver George Russell is reportedly close to finalizing a new contract with the team led by Toto Wolff, reaffirming his role within the Silver Arrows for the upcoming seasons. Russell has delivered consistently strong performances throughout 2025, standing out while his rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli has faced difficulties adapting to the W16 car.
Earlier this year, Antonelli made history as the youngest driver to claim a pole position across all Formula 1 race formats but has since struggled to maintain that form. Meanwhile, Russell has maintained steady point-scoring finishes, outpacing the Italian newcomer in recent races. Despite this, neither Russell nor Antonelli had secured contract extensions for the 2026 season prior to the summer break, leaving speculation over Mercedes’ driver lineup.
Johnny Herbert, former F1 driver and FIA steward, expressed confidence that Russell would soon receive a contract renewal. Speaking to Grosvenor Casino, he stated,
“I’m sure Mercedes will give George a contract. There can be no way that they’re not going to, especially now, Max is staying at Red Bull.”
Herbert added,
“And the man you are going to rely on for the second part of the season is George and the man you’re going to have to rely on next year is George.”
—Johnny Herbert, Former F1 Driver and FIA Steward
Implications of Verstappen’s Commitment on Mercedes’ Lineup
In the lead-up to the 2025 summer break, Toto Wolff openly discussed his monitoring of Max Verstappen’s contract situation, pondering if the reigning champion might be available for 2026. Rumors swirled over the possibility of Verstappen joining Mercedes, prompting questions about which driver might be replaced if a deal were reached.
Although Russell has been Mercedes’ top points scorer this season, Kimi Antonelli remains a long-term investment for the team. Wolff has followed Antonelli’s path since his early karting days and views him as part of Mercedes’ future strategy.
With Verstappen now confirmed to stay at Red Bull through at least the end of next season, Mercedes’ focus has shifted to securing their current talent. Wolff indicated that clarity about the team’s driver lineup would emerge during August’s summer break, offering reassurance that Russell’s position is secure for the near term.
Before the break, Wolff praised Russell without announcing a new deal, saying,
“We couldn’t wish for a better number one driver.”
—Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal
Outlook for Mercedes and Their Drivers Moving Forward
As the 2025 season progresses beyond the summer hiatus, Mercedes appears ready to solidify their driver roster with George Russell at the forefront. Russell’s consistent performances and leadership have made him indispensable to the team’s championship ambitions. Meanwhile, Antonelli will continue his development as Mercedes’ promising young talent.
The outcome of these contract negotiations will shape Mercedes’ competitive outlook in the coming years, ensuring stability amid an evolving F1 landscape. With Verstappen’s future settled at Red Bull, Mercedes can shift focus fully to nurturing their own drivers and defending their position at the front of the grid.
