There is 'no update' regarding the contract situation of Russell in Canada.

      George Russell, who has been consistently performing well in 2025, may currently be in pole position in Canada, but he still lacks a contract for the upcoming year. However, with connections to a Mercedes extension as well as reported discussions with Red Bull and Aston Martin, the 27-year-old feels optimistic. "I’m certain I’ll be in Formula 1 next year," Russell stated in an interview with Germany’s Sport Bild. "My aim is to achieve the world championship with Mercedes. I believe Toto Wolff would also prefer to win the championship alongside me."

      Despite this, Team Principal Wolff, who also acts as Russell's manager, has not yet been prepared to sign a contract for 2026. "There’s been no news," Russell mentioned while in Montreal. "But I don’t let it affect me. Contracts are often overhyped. It’s true that good performance puts you in a strong position, and poor performance does the opposite. That’s just the reality."

      Russell recognizes that he has emerged as one of the leading drivers of 2025, alongside Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. However, he asserts that there haven’t been any discussions about contracts with Wolff at this time. "This isn’t the right moment for that," he emphasized. "Negotiations would only drain my time and energy."

      Some speculate that Wolff has assured Russell that if a seat at Mercedes isn't available next year, another top team will likely recruit him. Wolff is someone Russell considers "like family." "We’ve shared a close bond for quite some time," Russell remarked. "And we’re practically neighbors in Monaco, seeing each other almost daily when at home."

      The delay in Russell’s re-signing seems to suggest that Wolff is keeping the door open for Max Verstappen. "Toto should sign him now," suggested 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg during a conversation with Sky Deutschland. "He is his number one driver, and his performance this season has once again been outstanding. It’s possible discussions are ongoing behind the scenes regarding Verstappen."

      Verstappen holds a long-term contract with Red Bull, but the Formula 1 community is now aware of crucial performance-related exit clauses. The four-time world champion might have concerns regarding the brand-new Red Bull-Ford power unit set for 2026. Christian Horner acknowledged, "It would be naive and almost disrespectful to Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda, among others, to assume we will set the standard in our first year. We’ve never manufactured an engine, and we haven’t yet completed a lap with one," the Red Bull team principal told De Telegraaf. "However, I’m confident that we have the right team in place to deliver."

      Horner downplayed the specifics of Verstappen's contract, stating, "For me, relationships hold more significance than contracts. If you find yourself needing to point to a contract, that often indicates a relationship isn’t working. There will invariably be buzz in the paddock surrounding a driver of his caliber and talent," he added.

      Some think Russell’s newfound leniency regarding his collision with Verstappen in Barcelona may suggest he is open to teaming up with the Dutchman next year. "I don’t see why not," Russell replied when questioned about the possibility. "Ultimately, the leading teams tend to attract top drivers. It has always been the case. But who knows? Drivers are quite loyal to their teams currently, but it’s uncertain whether (Charles) Leclerc is permanently loyal to Ferrari or (Lando) Norris and (Oscar) Piastri to McLaren. Situations can change."

      When asked if there’s any update on Russell’s contract situation in Canada, Wolff responded: "No, there is no update. George is part of the family and has been for a long time. Everything is proceeding according to plan." Former F1 driver Timo Glock suggested the situation could simply be Russell attempting to negotiate a better financial arrangement with his boss. "He may have adjusted the numbers in the deal and wants to earn a bit more. It’s a poker game," he added. "On the other hand, Mercedes is keeping its options open."