Wolff intends to re-sign George Russell "as soon as possible."

      As Formula 1 transitions from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, speculation is intensifying regarding George Russell’s future at Mercedes, suggesting that he is likely to stay with the team. The 27-year-old racer seems to be enjoying his most consistent form in 2025, despite his contract nearing its end. Some believe that Toto Wolff has strategically kept his options open in case he can acquire a dissatisfied Max Verstappen. However, credible reports indicate that the Mercedes team principal has proposed a two-year contract for Russell covering 2026 and 2027, with an option for 2028. Sky Italia has speculated that this deal might be valued at around 30 million euros annually. “Toto Wolff would like to finalize the agreement as soon as possible,” the broadcaster reports.

      Auto Motor und Sport awarded full marks to only two drivers for their performances in Bahrain: the polesitter and race winner Oscar Piastri, and Russell. “A masterpiece,” the German publication remarked, highlighting Russell's adept handling of technical issues. "He still crossed the finish line ahead of (Lando) Norris." Wolff echoed this sentiment, saying, "I'm almost speechless by his performance. Much has been said about Lewis Hamilton leaving us for Ferrari and about Kimi (Antonelli) coming in as a promising young talent, yet little attention has been given to George." The Austrian reinforced his belief that such oversight is unjust, asserting that Russell is among the elite drivers in the sport.

      If Wolff still aims to recruit Verstappen, it's conceivable that he might loan his 18-year-old protégé Antonelli to another team. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali believes a fitting destination for the rookie Italian would be Ferrari. "Italy needs a driver to serve as an example for the youth in today’s world," he stated on Italian radio Rai. "Before making comparisons to established champions, it’s wise to wait a bit; however, I am certain he will become a significant figure in our sport." Domenicali added, "Having an Italian in an Italian car would be wonderful, but I think Toto Wolff currently has a different opinion."

      Honda addresses Verstappen-to-Aston rumors

      Honda has sought to downplay the growing rumors that Max Verstappen’s next move in Formula 1 might be to Aston Martin. In Bahrain, the four-time world champion appeared to grow frustrated with Red Bull, and his manager Raymond Vermeulen was even involved in a tense exchange with Dr. Helmut Marko. "I believe Red Bull will face a major issue if Max departs," former F1 driver Felipe Massa shared with Viaplay. "If he were driving for McLaren, they would likely clinch every race in the championship."

      McLaren, on the other hand, is evidently satisfied with their current drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Verstappen is linked with potential moves to Mercedes and Aston Martin if he can invoke a performance-related exit clause. Dutch journalist Erik van Haren noted, "Aston Martin has been mentioned frequently lately." This is partly due to Adrian Newey now being with Aston Martin, and also because of recent remarks by Honda’s F1 boss Koji Watanabe. After the Suzuka event, he expressed a desire for Verstappen to continue driving with Honda power after 2025. "I was asked, 'Do you want to supply power units to Max?'." Watanabe clarified to as-web.jp. "My response was straightforward. Should I have said, 'No, we don't want to provide them?' I saw an article claiming Honda influences Aston Martin's driver choices, which is inherently understood—this applies to Red Bull as well. I wish they'd stop publishing such shortsighted articles."