Overview

• George Russell stated he will not sign a new Mercedes contract during the summer break to recharge and negotiate without time pressure.
• His current deal runs through the end of 2025, but his seat is effectively secured now that Max Verstappen has confirmed he will remain at Red Bull for 2026.
• Team principal Toto Wolff said Mercedes will pick a significant Grand Prix to make official announcements on contract extensions for Russell and emerging prospect Kimi Antonelli.
• Eighteen-year-old Antonelli is viewed as Mercedes’s future talent and is expected to join Russell in the 2026 lineup once his deal is finalized.
• Both drivers are leveraging the upcoming 2026 technical regulation overhaul to ensure their agreements reflect the new competitive landscape.