P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff is yet to officially hand George Russell a contract for 2026 and beyond.
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff hasn’t formally awarded George Russell a contract for the 2026 season and beyond, despite expressing interest in retaining both Russell and newcomer Kimi Antonelli.
Speculation suggests that Russell might be the one causing the delay, whereas Antonelli’s future with the team seems uncertain due to recent poor performances.
Russell has remained confident about his position, even stating he is unfazed about his future and more concerned about his teammate.
Wolff’s lighthearted response to Russell’s confidence hints at ongoing negotiations, possibly involving considerations for Max Verstappen as a potential replacement in the future.
The rivalry between Russell and Verstappen, along with Wolff’s interest in the Dutch champion, could pose challenges for Russell’s long-term prospects with the team.
Wolff’s strategy seems to lean towards keeping his options open, possibly leading to short-term contracts for Russell if Verstappen becomes available.
As the F1 season unfolds, developments in driver contracts and team dynamics continue to grab headlines, shaping the future landscape of the sport.
