Despite his imposingly consistent form and his latest win in Canada, George Russell remains without a F1 contract for 2026. With some growing question marks over a contract announcement, Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, assured a deal is in the works for the near future.
Last year the Mercedes F1 team principal was consistent in his pursuit of Max Verstappen as he attempted to woo the Dutchman away from Red Bull. The four-time World Champion has stayed loyal to them for now.
Performance not a state of contention
After celebrating Russell’s first win of the year in Montreal, with Kimi Antonelli also securing his first F1 podium, Toto Wolff denied the Brits optimal performance as confirmation for his 2026 contract. Speaking on the matter in a print media session, Wolff reaffirmed his strong faith in Russell’s driving ability, asserting a contract extension is not performance-dependent.
“We’re going to get there. He’s been a Mercedes junior in the same way that Kimi was since he was 16, so it isn’t dependent whether he wins a race, whether he performs, because we know he can.”
A working announcement timeline
While George Russell’s current contract terminates at the end of the season, the Austrian voiced his confidence in his development. Praising Russell’s natural progression into a leadership role, he commended his step up, especially in the wake of Hamilton’s departure.
“The steps he’s made from the young driver in Williams, then coming to Mercedes at a difficult time, being on par with Lewis. And then since Lewis left, being clearly a senior driver in the team. It comes naturally, it’s not like there’s some politics. He’s just taken the place that he merits and deserves.”
Wolff then revealed that talks of an announcement have been in the works, suggesting a decision is on the horizon. While no dates have been confirmed, he hinted that confirmation could come once the hectic mid-season schedule eases.
“The ambience in the team is great. And we’ve written some kind of timeline when we want to settle these things. With tripled headers, getting out of the way, and one race after the other now in June and July, but we’re going to get there.”
