Mercedes is ready to announce George Russell’s contract extension at the British Grand Prix: what will be the fate of number 63, Verstappen, and Antonelli?
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone could serve as the perfect stage for a long-awaited piece of news for Mercedes fans: George Russell’s contract renewal, which, for now, pushes Max Verstappen out of the picture. The team might officially confirm the extension during the home race weekend of the British driver.
Russell has had an excellent start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, capped by his fourth career victory last weekend in Montreal. That win in Canada, along with four additional podiums in the first ten races, places him among the top drivers in the standings, behind only the McLaren duo and Max Verstappen.
Despite this strong form, his future had remained uncertain, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season. Various rumors linked Russell to Red Bull, McLaren, and even Aston Martin, but the driver has consistently expressed his desire to stay with Mercedes for 2026, when the new technical regulations for engines and chassis will come into force.
George Russell renews—what about Max Verstappen?
After the win in Canada, George Russell stated: “I’m not worried about next year. I know I’ll be on the grid and I feel fitter than ever. I want to fight for the title and I believe that, with performances like this, we’re showing we can be there when it counts.”
The Briton also added that he is not in talks with other teams: “I’m not speaking to anyone. I’ve always been clear: my intention is to stay with Mercedes. I’m loyal—they gave me the opportunity to enter F1. There’s no rush in the negotiations.”
Toto Wolff also confirmed that the extension is just a matter of time: “He won’t have to wait until September. We’re fully aligned—there’s no back and forth. George knows the situation and so do we.”
It wouldn’t be the first time Mercedes uses a key race to announce contracts: in 2023, it was on the eve of the Italian GP that the team revealed the two-year extensions for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell—a contract Hamilton later terminated early to move to Ferrari in 2026.
With George Russell continuing to outperform Kimi Antonelli in the standings and showing signs of leadership, his contract renewal now seems like a mere formality. And Silverstone, his home race, would be the perfect place to celebrate it. It remains to be seen whether Kimi Antonelli will remain his teammate, but that decision can wait.
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