Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Mercedes are in the unusual position of approaching September without having any driver signed up for the following Formula 1 season.
Despite his stellar performances in 2025, George Russell has not yet been awarded a new contract and is waiting to hear about his future.
After intense links to Max Verstappen, who has since affirmed his commitment to Red Bull, Mercedes look set to retain their current duo.
It feels like a case of when, not if, they will confirm their current drivers for the 2026 F1 regulations. Their experience within the team could be very valuable.
Toto Wolff could be about to break a Russell promise by leaving it until after the Italian Grand Prix to hand him a deal.
Kimi Antonelli deserves a longer contract than Russell due to one clear reason, as his team believes he can ‘dominate’ the sport in the future. It could force the latter out of the team in the future.
READ MORE: Toto Wolff just gave a mysterious answer when asked about Kimi Antonelli’s F1 future at Mercedes
George Russell says Mercedes contract talks headed in the ‘right direction’ for the 2026 F1 season
Wolff can now ‘manipulate’ Russell’s contract to include an escape clause, in the event that Verstappen becomes available in the future.
Having nailed the new regulations once before, bursting out in fine form next year would go a long way to attracting some top-tier talent.
With the way Russell is driving, he more than deserves a seat, and whether or not there is a vacancy in the future could depend on how his teammate’s development goes.
Russell, in his official pre-race press conference at the Dutch Grand Prix, told the media which ‘direction’ talks are heading in after the four-week summer break.
“We are currently in positive talks. As I said, nothing would happen during the summer break, since there was no reason for both sides to do so, because we ultimately wanted to enjoy the short break,” he said. “But things are moving in the right direction.”
What has George Russell done to earn a Mercedes contract extension for 2026?
Russell has been one of the most consistent drivers in 2025 and finds himself just 15 points behind the reigning champion in the standings.
In the final 10 races of the season, it will be his job to help lead his team to second in the constructors’ standings ahead of Ferrari, who they currently lag behind.
Russell was wrong about something at Mercedes and felt as though he would’ve been involved in at least one title fight at this stage in his career.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case, but remaining with Mercedes in 2026 should give him a good chance of competing with the best.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
