After weeks of speculation and contract talks, George Russell has officially secured his future in Formula One with Mercedes, signing a massive new two-year contract reportedly worth £30 million per season.
The announcement comes just ten days after Russell’s spectacular win at the Singapore Grand Prix—his second victory of an impressive season that has firmly established him as one of the sport’s top performers.
Mercedes Confirms 2026 Driver Line-Up
Mercedes made it official that their 2026 driver pairing will feature George Russell alongside rookie Kimi Antonelli, keeping the Silver Arrows’ lineup youthful and dynamic.
The move, however, leaves open the intriguing possibility of Max Verstappen joining the team in 2027—something Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has never ruled out.
Despite describing Russell as “formidable” after his recent win, Wolff has always expressed admiration for Verstappen’s skill and potential fit within Mercedes in the future.
Wolff Speaks on the Deal
Team principal Toto Wolff shared that finalizing the driver lineup was more about timing than uncertainty.
“Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if,” Wolff said.
“We wanted to make sure everyone was happy and that the negotiations were handled properly.
George and Kimi have shown they make a strong team, and we’re thrilled to continue this journey.”
He added that Mercedes is now focused on closing out the current season strongly as they battle for second in the constructors’ championship, while also preparing for the 2026 regulation overhaul that promises to reshape Formula One.
Russell’s Best Season Yet
This season has arguably been George Russell’s best since entering Formula One.
With two wins and eight podium finishes, the 27-year-old Brit currently sits fourth in the world championship standings heading into the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
His consistent performances have not only earned him Mercedes’ confidence but have also silenced any doubts about his long-term future with the team.
The Verstappen Clause That Fueled Speculation
Earlier this year, rumors swirled that Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull due to a clause in his contract allowing him to walk away if he wasn’t in the top three by the summer break.
When Verstappen finished fourth in Belgium, speculation surged that he might activate the clause—potentially opening a door to Mercedes.
However, he quickly put an end to those rumors by confirming after the Hungarian Grand Prix that he would remain with Red Bull until 2028.
That clarity paved the way for Mercedes to solidify Russell’s deal without distraction.
Russell Reflects on a Decade with Mercedes
Reflecting on his journey, Russell expressed pride and excitement for the years ahead.
“Next year will mark my tenth since signing with Mercedes back in 2017,” he said.
“It’s been such a long and successful partnership, and I’m really proud to keep building on that.
With the major rule changes coming, it’s an exciting time for all of us, and I’m determined to make it my strongest era yet.”
Antonelli’s Learning Curve
While Russell has flourished, his young teammate Kimi Antonelli has faced a tougher debut season.
The 19-year-old Italian currently trails Russell by 149 points but remains optimistic.
“I’ve learned so much in my first year—through both the highs and the lows,” Antonelli said.
“Each experience has made me stronger as a driver and as a teammate.
I’m really looking forward to continuing with the team and improving every race.”
Eyes on Austin and Beyond
Russell will return to the track this weekend for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas, looking to add more podiums to his already stellar campaign.
Meanwhile, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri maintains a narrow 22-point lead over teammate Lando Norris, ensuring the final six races of the season promise plenty of action and drama across the grid.