P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell still has not secured his F1 future beyond the current season with Mercedes.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes there is tension between Mercedes driver George Russell and his boss, Toto Wolff. Russell has not yet agreed on a contract extension with the team for the 2026 F1 season, despite widespread expectations of him staying. The delay is reportedly due to Russell seeking better personal terms. Schumacher suggests that the interest in signing Max Verstappen has caused a divide between Wolff and Russell, with rumors circulating that Russell no longer wants Toto as an advisor. The tension was evident during the time Mercedes publicly flirted with Verstappen, sidelining Russell according to Schumacher. Negotiations appeared to progress positively following Russell’s pole position in Singapore, with Wolff hinting at an agreement on the Saturday of the race weekend.
