Image: Mercedes Hub X @MercedesF1_Hub
Benjamin Foster | Staff Writer with Agencies
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that the renewal of George Russell’s contract with the Brackley-based squad is “super close” to completion. Despite being one of the biggest names on the grid without a confirmed deal for the 2026 Formula 1 season, the British driver appears set to continue his career with the Silver Arrows.
Speaking after qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix on Saturday, Wolff offered a clear hint that the agreement could be announced very soon. “We are super close,” he said when asked about the status of negotiations, suggesting only final details remain before the official announcement.
Russell, who joined Mercedes in 2022, echoed Wolff’s calm tone about the process. “I think for any driver, when you reach a certain point in your career, things need to be done properly,” the Briton explained. “Every contract renewal is the most important of your life, and the agreement needs to be fair and mutually beneficial.”
Alongside the Russell talks, Mercedes is also focused on developing its other young driver, Kimi Antonelli. The Italian rookie has endured an inconsistent debut season but delivered a standout performance in Baku, finishing fourth. Wolff praised Antonelli’s growing maturity and his efforts to work more closely with his engineering team.
“Since Baku, we’ve seen a lot more focus from him,” Wolff said. “Expectations were very high, but he has been concentrating with his engineering crew, and that has been positive. Everyone starts from zero next year, and in that sense, he’s doing a good job.”
With Russell’s contract renewal seemingly imminent and Antonelli receiving continued support, Mercedes appears to be laying the groundwork for a stable and promising future with its current driver lineup.
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