Mercedes has confirmed that George Russell will remain with the team for the 2026 season, putting an end to months of speculation surrounding his contract renewal.
The British driver entered the final year of his current deal without a new contract in place, prompting questions about his future. Rumors intensified after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was seen in discussions with four-time World Champion Max Verstappen. While Mercedes had reportedly explored the possibility of bringing Verstappen on board, the Red Bull driver reaffirmed his commitment to his current team.
Russell and Wolff have repeatedly addressed questions about the contract, both maintaining that an agreement would be reached. The five-time Grand Prix winner has expressed confidence in his future, and it appears now that speculation can finally be set aside.
On October 15, Mercedes officially announced that Russell and teammate Kimi Antonelli “will continue as the team’s driver line-up into 2026.” The statement did not provide details regarding contract extensions or long-term commitments.
The announcement comes after Russell’s victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Antonelli finished fifth. Currently, Russell sits fourth in the championship standings, trailing leader Oscar Piastri by 99 points.
In the team’s statement, the 27-year-old said he was “proud to continue the journey together,” signaling his satisfaction with remaining at Mercedes for at least the next season.
However, the confirmation for 2026 only leaves questions about the longer-term future. With no detailed contract terms revealed, it’s possible Mercedes could continue to approach driver contracts on a year-to-year basis. This approach might keep options open for a future push to bring Verstappen into the team.
Russell’s situation is further complicated by the fact that he is managed by Mercedes, meaning his career decisions largely depend on the team’s direction. Wolff has called Russell’s contract extension a “formality” and expressed confidence in their working relationship.
Despite the uncertainty, Russell’s performances have consistently spoken for themselves. His 2025 season has been impressive, earning multiple wins and podiums even as Mercedes struggles to match the competitiveness of previous years.
Failing to secure Russell for the near future would be a significant loss for Mercedes. And should the Brit grow restless, a move to another team could shake up the Formula 1 paddock in the coming seasons.