‘No one’ inside the Mercedes team has ever said one thing about George Russell’s potential contract extension

George Russell is still waiting for his contract with Mercedes to be extended to 2026 and beyond.

The Brit has been one of the top performers in the 2025 season thus far. Russell has grabbed four podium finishes for Mercedes in the opening nine races.

Teammate Kimi Antonelli has scored the Silver Arrows’ only fastest lap of the year in Japan and only pole position for the Sprint race in Miami. But with more than double the rookie’s points, Russell has been Mercedes’ most important driver.

Therefore, it is surprising that the team have not renewed the 27-year-old’s contract yet. Russell’s deal is up at the end of 2025, as is Antonelli’s, as Mercedes assesses their options for the 2026 F1 regulations.

Gwen Lagrue says Mercedes cannot be happy with Russell until he wins a world championship. The Brackley-based outfit do not currently have a car capable of winning the title, and as things stand, they could lose two top talents on the grid come 2026.

‘No one’ at Mercedes has ever spoken about a date for George Russell’s contract renewal

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has openly said he is happy with his current driver line-up. Early indications would suggest that Russell and Antonelli would receive new contracts.

Valtteri Bottas may have let slip Mercedes’ plans as he hints that the pair will be retained for 2026 and beyond. Optimism is high for the team’s future, as many believe Mercedes will have the fastest power unit come next season.

In Russell and Antonelli, the Silver Arrows have a solid team leader and an exciting young talent, with many wondering why the team are taking so long to confirm them for 2026. But in a report from the Italian edition of Motorsport.com, ‘the timing has been known for some time’.

Things are going ‘as planned’ within the team, even as everyone on the outside awaits an announcement for Russell’s contract extension. ‘No one’ inside Mercedes has ever spoken about a date for when his deal will be renewed; they are keeping things under wraps as much as possible.

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Mercedes are facing interest from rivals for George Russell

With Russell’s contract being up in 2025, he will be one of the top free agents available on the F1 driver market for next season. The Brit is already receiving interest from rival teams on the grid.

Christian Horner has held informal chats with Russell over a potential move to Red Bull. The Milton Keynes outfit have a seat available for 2026 next to Max Verstappen, but even the Dutchman’s future is uncertain heading into next season.

Mercedes have been linked with Verstappen amid his frustrations at Red Bull with the RB21’s development. The four-time champion’s exit clause could allow him to leave before his contract expires in 2028.

Wolff will surely not want to pass on another opportunity to sign Verstappen, but he will have to make a decision on his driver line-up soon before he risks losing all of his targets. Aston Martin have been linked with Russell as they look at strengthening their options for 2026.