P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell remains officially without a Mercedes contract for the 2026 F1 season.
George Russell believes that Mercedes needs him as much as he needs them, especially since he is currently without a signed 2026 F1 contract. His deal is set to expire at the end of this year, while his team-mate Kimi Antonelli has a single-year contract. Toto Wolff has publicly expressed interest in Max Verstappen, but indicated that the focus is on retaining a Russell-Antonelli line-up for the upcoming rule changes.
Russell sees a mutual benefit for both himself and Mercedes in extending their partnership. Despite recent developments, he remains focused on performing well and believes he is one of the best drivers available. The Briton emphasizes the importance of having the best drivers in Mercedes’ race cars, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between himself and the team in the world of racing.
