Mercedes will start negotiations with Russell in May.

      George Russell's contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the year. Since a new agreement has not yet been signed, this has led to the theory that the team wants to keep the vacancy open as long as possible in case Max Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull Racing.

      However, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said he had no plans to change the line-up, and talks with Russell would begin next month.

      "We are not negotiating with Max,– Toto told The Athletic. – At the moment we have George and Kimi Antonelli, and there is no reason to question such a line-up for the future.

      We will resume negotiations with George when the European stage of the season begins. He performs at a very high level and lives up to our hopes and expectations. There's no point in demanding more from him. Besides, we will also have a summer break. There is no reason to dispute or question anything right now."