Overview

• Russell says the prolonged pursuit of a title has made him more motivated than ever and he stresses that contract length should reflect performance
• He has delivered one win and six podiums in 14 races this season, accumulating 172 points and sitting fourth in the driver standings
• Mercedes reverted to its older rear suspension design after early-season heat-related struggles, securing improved form at the Hungarian Grand Prix
• Negotiations over an extension reported to run to 2027 remain unresolved, though they are widely expected to be finalised before the late-August return at Zandvoort
• Mercedes anticipates confirming its 2026 lineup with Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli ahead of the forthcoming technical regulation reset