Mercedes F1

If you dismiss the hype train, then I absolutely agree that Kimi isn't having a bad season. The next two years will tell us how good he is. Oscar was hyped up too and didn't exactly have an incredible rookie season and look at him now.

 

Frankly he’s clearly delivering for a …17 years old teenager driving a 1000hp Mercedes formula one.
Just facts speaks for themselves

 

Mercedes keeps Russell for 2026.

It's a 1 year contract. Toto keeping his options open for 2027.

 

It doesn't look good for Mercedes to offer only a one year contact to their #1.
This is rather dismissive, and a blatant lack of trust, IMO.
Russell must now feel that the writting is on the wall as far as enjoying a long career with Mercedes.
If I believe the media, Toto is obsessed with poaching Verstappen from Red Bull, and at the same time keeping his protegé Antonelli. But there are many uncertainties ahead; perhaps it's not the most realistic approach to sacrifice Russell to follow that plan.

 

Mercedes did not confirm the length of Russell's contract but the new release spoke only of he and Antonelli continuing "into 2026".

 

It might be a 1+ option for year 2.

 

Indeed, Russell’s previous contract signing, which took place in 2023, committed him to a two-year extension for 2024 and 2025.

However, while Russell’s latest deal length was not explicitly announced, The Race understands that his new contract is a multi-year agreement that does indeed run into 2027.

 

If not Max then Charles.

 

Proposing a 1+1 deal to Russell doesn't show great confidence in him.
Other teams like McLaren, Ferrari, etc ... do better than that for their #1.

 

Right now; in the Daily Mirror:

George Russell has finally put pen to paper on a new Mercedes contract after months of delays. And it is understood the Brit, 27, has landed a multi-year extension worth around £30million per year as reward for his outstanding form this season.

It gives Russell the third-highest driver salary on the Formula 1 grid, behind only Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. It also gives him an extra layer of protection amid the ongoing threat posed by Verstappen, with the Silver Arrows still keeping a close eye on the four-time champion.


I wait for confirmation about this.

 

Toto - hedging like a fund manager.........that he is

 

Well done to George. He has moved up and provided a team leadership driver to the team. He has earned a multi year deal I would think.

 

Whatever multi year means (more than 2 ?).
But it's good that Russell has a contract anyway, and ripes the result of his effort.

 

We will see if the 2026 Mercedes Power unit is that good..
Russell could very well deliver strong results with a competitive car.

 

I count on it !
That means that McLaren, Williams and Alpine also would have no worries about their PUs.
The news aren't so reassuring at RBPT-Ford, Honda keeps quiet and there is uncertainty at AUDI.
Let's see what Ferrari and their satelites Haas and Cadillac will deliver.

 

Well rumors from Italy are very contractory about Ferrari future PU, which is never a good omen..