P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes star George Russell is believed to be on the brink of signing a new contract with Toto Wolff’s F1 outfit.
Mercedes star George Russell is on the verge of signing a new contract with Toto Wolff’s F1 team, where he has outshone his rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli this season.
Despite Antonelli struggling with the W16 car in recent races, no new contracts have been issued for 2026 and beyond to either driver.
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes a new contract for Russell is imminent and crucial for Mercedes, especially in the absence of the option to sign Max Verstappen.
While Wolff had been exploring the possibility of signing Verstappen for 2026, it is now clear that Russell and Antonelli are the future of the team.
Wolff’s confidence in Russell as the team’s lead driver is evident, with strong indications that Russell’s place at Mercedes is secure despite the lack of an official announcement.
The F1 summer break will likely bring clarity to Mercedes’ future driver lineup, with Russell expected to continue leading the team in the upcoming seasons.
