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5h ago

Wolff Says Russell’s Mercedes Renewal Is “Super Near” as Late-Season Dynamics Shift

His Singapore victory has increased his leverage with Mercedes in negotiations shaped by the 2026 rules reset.

Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc drives during the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix night race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore on October 5, 2025. (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN / AFP) (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
Lando Norris and Zak Brown
MONZA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 07: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari and Flavio Briatore, Executive Advisor of Alpine F1 talk on the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 07, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Toto Wolff says a new deal for George Russell is very close and will be announced soon, though Mercedes has not yet confirmed its 2026 driver pairing.
  • Russell’s dominant Singapore win and his clear season-long advantage over rookie Kimi Antonelli have strengthened his position in talks.
  • Mercedes cautions its car is strongest on lower-speed circuits like Montreal and Singapore, with engineering work needed to perform at faster tracks such as Austin.
  • Red Bull indicates further upgrades are coming for the RB21 as Max Verstappen’s resurgence continues with two wins and two second places since the summer break.
  • McLaren clinched the constructors’ title in Singapore with Oscar Piastri leading Lando Norris, and voices including Guenther Steiner are urging the team to back a single title contender.