P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has confirmed George Russell will forego media duties ahead of this weekend’s Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to ill health.
Mercedes has confirmed that George Russell will miss media duties before the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to poor health. Despite being in fourth place in the Drivers’ Championship, Russell has decided to sit out Thursday’s obligations in hopes of maintaining his position and potentially catching up to Max Verstappen in third. Russell’s potential new contract with Mercedes, hinted at by Team Principal Toto Wolff, is still awaiting formal confirmation, clarifying recent rumors of his departure. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Russell’s teammate, will now solely handle Mercedes’ media responsibilities. Although there were speculations about Russell leaving amidst talks of Verstappen joining, Russell revealed his commitment to staying with Mercedes, even if he had been paired with Verstappen.
