Toto Wolff says talks are progressing well with George Russell, but he will stay at Mercedes for F1 2026, as announcement deadline not set.
After Max Verstappen confirmed his stay at Red Bull for the nth time, it is all-clear for Russell to remain at Mercedes for the 2026 F1 season at least. In fact, team boss Wolff more or less confirmed the Brit’s stay, while noting that talks are progressing well behind the scenes.
It is mostly the contracts details. Reports suggests that Russell – naturally – wants a deal of more than one season, but it seems like Mercedes wants to keep their options open for beyond the 2026 F1 season, in case they are competitive under new regulations.
It is no brainer that they still want Verstappen and the Dutchman seemingly can leave Red Bull if things don’t go right in 2026. There is no timeline set by Mercedes on Russell, as Wolff joked about a funky announcement, while noting that 50-50 that one should know by Zandvoort weekend.
“Well, George has always had good cards, because he has delivered since 2018,” said Wolff to media. “There wasn’t a season he wasn’t there, and nothing changed that in our thinking for next year. So, just because you don’t talk outside doesn’t mean that things are progressing in your relationship internally, and when it comes to contract, let’s see.
“We will come out and say what kind of term we’ve put forward, but definitely, he’s staying. The team is strong. He has shown it in Hungary again and there’s no reason to plan without George long-term. We will choose a good moment. Maybe a funky grand prix with lots of fans and come out with that. 50-50 [maybe by Zandvoort],” summed up Wolff, who also has to decide upon Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Here’s Mercedes showrun in Puerto Rico
Here’s Andrea Kimi Antonelli on Hungarian GP points
Here’s George Russell on Hungarian GP podium
