Overview

• Russell says he paused negotiations during his holiday and restarted discussions this week at Zandvoort.
• He expects any agreement could take a number of weeks and says neither side feels time pressure.
• He maintains his seat was not at risk, casting the uncertainty as the choice of teammate.
• Toto Wolff has stated Russell and Kimi Antonelli will stay with Mercedes next year after Verstappen confirmed he will remain at Red Bull.
• Russell cites winning with Mercedes under the 2026 regulations as his priority, with contract length still being weighed.