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George Russell to miss F1 Azerbaijan GP media day through illness
George Russell will not attend F1’s media day ahead of the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to feeling unwell. Mercedes anticipates his recovery for Friday’s practice in Baku but has not disclosed details about his illness. As a result, Kimi Antonelli will take Russell’s place at the driver press conference. Russell’s contract negotiations with Mercedes are ongoing despite Max Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull till 2026. There are expectations that both Russell and Antonelli will be retained by Mercedes for the next season, as confirmed by Toto Wolff at the Dutch Grand Prix. Former Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has suggested Russell is using tactics similar to Wolff’s negotiation style in contract talks.
