Mercedes ‘make decision’ on George Russell’s F1 future after Spanish Grand Prix

Mercedes bosses are understood to have handed George Russell a contract extension. The former Williams star is expected to remain with the team for another season with the Silver Arrows taking up the option to extend the Briton’s deal by another 12 months.

According to Motorsport.com, this means the 25-year-old will remain with the team until at least the end of 2025. It is claimed the deal could have been signed in April while others suggest it was sorted as early as 2022.

Russell has starred at the German marque since making the transition to the top team last year. He beat his more experienced team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship in year one and bagged his first career race win.

Mercedes have already admitted Russell will likely be Hamilton’s successor when the seven-time champion walks away from the sport. Gwen Lagrue, chief of Mercedes’ driver development programme, says George is “clearly” the best man” to step into the shoes of the 38-year-old.

He told AutoHebdo: “You always know that when you have the car to win, not before. Nevertheless, what I have observed is that each time [Russell] has had a window of opportunity, he has managed to do something transformative.

“That’s very reassuring. If we are able to give him the car, he will do the right thing. If the question is, ‘Do we see in George a successor to Lewis to win races and fight for a title?’ The answer is clear – yes.”

Hamilton praised Russell after the Spanish Grand Prix as the team secured their first double podium finish of the season. He said Mercedes are the “strongest team” on the grid with both drivers “punching out great results” every weekend. Toto Wolff has also celebrated Russell’s achievements despite him being slightly behind his team-mate in 2023.

He recently said: “George is doing a good job, but that’s exactly what we expected from him, that’s why he’s at Mercedes.” Russell’s contract extension comes as the team are still trying to keep hold of Lewis Hamilton.

Both sides continue to stress a deal will be struck but the British champion has yet to put pen to paper on fresh terms. On Sunday, Wolff suggested it would take just “half an hour” to thrash out a deal while Hamilton teased that talks would continue on Monday.

He commented: “I haven’t signed anything yet, but I think we are meeting with Toto tomorrow [Monday] so hopefully we can get something done.”