F1 Rumor: Mercedes prepared to offer Russell a 2-year extension

(GMM) As Formula 1 hops from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, rumors are swirling that George Russell’s future at Mercedes appears safe, but is it really?

The 27-year-old driver is arguably riding the most consistent wave of form of any other competitor in 2025, despite the fact that his contract is expiring.

Some are convinced Toto Wolff has left the contractual door open in the event he can snap up a disgruntled Max Verstappen – but authoritative reports are now emerging that the Mercedes boss has put a two-year deal on Russell’s table for 2026 and 2027, with an option for 2028 as well.

Sky Italia reported rumors that the deal could be worth an impressive 30 million euros per year.

“Toto Wolff would like to close the deal as soon as possible,” the broadcaster claims.

If Toto Wolff had to choose between Max Verstappen and George Russell, who would he pick? // Will Cornelius / Content Pool /

Auto Motor und Sport gave only two drivers a full 10-out-of-10 for their performances in Bahrain – polesitter and winner Oscar Piastri, and Russell.

“A masterpiece,” the German magazine said, detailing the Briton’s self-management of technical problems. “He still finished ahead of (Lando) Norris.”

Wolff agreed: “I’m almost speechless about his performance.

“There was so much talk about Lewis Hamilton who left us to go to Ferrari, about Kimi (Antonelli) who arrived as the youngster with high potential, but little was said about George,” the Austrian added.

“I have always said that is not fair because he is one of the best drivers around.”

If Wolff still wants to sign Verstappen, it’s theoretically possible that he could loan his 18-year-old protégé Antonelli to another team.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali thinks a perfect place for the rookie Italian would be Ferrari.

“Italy needs a driver who, especially in today’s world, represents a point of reference for the young people,” he said on Italian radio Rai.

“Before comparing him to some champion, I think it’s right to wait a little, but the certainty is that he will become a protagonist in our world,” Domenicali added.

“So an Italian in an Italian car would be really nice, but I think Toto Wolff doesn’t agree at the moment.”

April 14, 2025

According to a report by Autosport, paddock scuttlebutt is that George Russell is expected to sign a two-year extension with the Mercedes F1 team with an option for 2028 in an agreement believed to be worth around $30 million per season.

This would be far less than the $75 million per year they would have to pay Max Verstappen.

Last year Russell wiped the floor with Lewis Hamlton, and that impressed Wolff. This year he is performing as Mercedes defacto team leader.

Last year, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff showed interest in pairing Russell with Max Verstappen, but when Verstappen balked, Wolff signed rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli instead and Antonelli is driving exceptionally well for a rookie.