Mercedes driver George Russell absent from FIA Thursday conference in Baku, Kimi Antonelli replaces him. George Russell will miss the FIA media day at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to illness..

George Russell skips Baku GP media day due to illness

George Russell will not be attending the FIA media day at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Mercedes announced that the British driver is feeling unwell and will therefore miss his scheduled press duties on Thursday in Baku.

Russell had been expected to appear at the official FIA press conference but will remain absent from the paddock. The team released a short statement explaining: “George is not feeling well, so unfortunately he will not be at the track today. He is resting ahead of tomorrow’s on-track activity.”

Although Mercedes has not revealed further details regarding the nature of his illness, the expectation is that Russell will be back in the cockpit for Friday’s free practice sessions. In the meantime, Kimi Antonelli will replace him in the FIA press conference, joining the other drivers scheduled for media duties.

Contract talks with Mercedes still unresolved

Russell’s absence from Thursday’s media day comes at a particularly sensitive moment, as he is in the middle of ongoing negotiations with Mercedes regarding a contract extension. While Max Verstappen has already secured a long-term future with Red Bull Racing, Russell has yet to finalise a new deal with the Brackley-based team.

Both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli currently have contracts expiring at the end of the 2025 Formula 1 season. However, team principal Toto Wolff reassured fans at Zandvoort that there will be continuity: “There won’t be any big news because we are continuing with both, obviously.”

According to Wolff, the main sticking points are not about driving duties but rather off-track commitments such as marketing appearances and travel days. Russell is reportedly pushing to reduce these obligations to focus more heavily on his on-track performance.

Nico Rosberg weighs in on the negotiations

Former Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg also commented on Russell’s contract situation, drawing from his own past experiences with Toto Wolff. Rosberg explained: “It’s horrible negotiating with Toto, he disappears from the face of the earth when you try to ask for better conditions. I suffered a lot. But now it’s George doing the same with him, giving him a taste of his own medicine.”

With Russell aiming to secure his long-term future in Formula 1 while balancing his professional commitments, the coming weeks will be crucial for both the British driver and Mercedes as the team prepares for 2026 under the new regulations.