Mercedes could announce George Russell's new contract at the British Grand Prix next month, it has been claimed.
The 27-year-old driver's current deal expires at the end of this season, creating uncertainty about his future with the Silver Arrows.
Auto Motor und Sport has suggested the team may be waiting until Russell's home race at Silverstone on July 6 to confirm his new contract.
The timing would come just weeks after his impressive victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
George Russell seems set to announce his new contract at his home race
PARussell has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025 season, sitting fourth in the drivers' championship behind the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, and reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
His fourth career victory in Canada, combined with four additional podium finishes across the opening 10 races, has seen Russell establish himself as best of the rest in the championship standings.
The British driver has outscored rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli by 63 points in their first season together.
Despite his impressive form, Russell's future has remained uncertain with his contract set to expire at season's end.
Mercedes have been persistently linked with a move for Verstappen over the past 12 months, creating questions about Russell's position within the team.
The 27-year-old has been exploring various options for the 2026 season, when sweeping regulation changes to both chassis and engine rules could reshape the competitive order.
JUST IN: Emma Raducanu makes honest admission on Carlos Alcaraz relationship ahead of US Open doubles
Russell has been spotted in discussions with several rival teams in recent months. He was seen talking with McLaren bosses Zak Brown and Andrea Stella in the paddock at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March.
At the following race in China, Russell was photographed embracing Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who publicly expressed interest in signing Russell last season, has also held informal talks with the British driver.
More recently, Aston Martin have emerged as another potential destination, with the team reportedly expressing interest in the four-time race winner.
Despite these various options, Russell has remained consistent about his priorities throughout the speculation surrounding his future.
READ MORE: BBC cameras refused Italian footage of Ayrton Senna tragedy, admits former presenter
George Russell won the most recent Grand Prix in Canada
Reuters
Russell has maintained his loyalty to Mercedes throughout the speculation, stating his intentions to remain with the team that gave him his Formula 1 opportunity.
"I'm not talking with anybody else and any teams who have shown interest, I have been quite open to say my intentions are to stay with Mercedes," he said after his Canada victory.
"That has always been clear. I am loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this chance to get into Formula 1."
The British driver expressed confidence in his position, adding: "I knew if I continue to perform as I'm doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever, so I feel in a good place."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Russell emphasised there have been "no hard feelings" regarding Mercedes' interest in Verstappen, acknowledging that "every driver had no contracts for next year, Max would be number one for every single team."
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has indicated that Russell's new deal will be confirmed before the summer break.
Speaking to media at the Monaco Grand Prix last month, Wolff dismissed suggestions that Russell would have to wait until September for a new contract.
Toto Wolff has been looking at bringing Max Verstappen into Mercedes
Getty"Definitely not that long," Wolff said. "George and I are totally clear of how this is going to go and [there is] 100 per cent alignment.
"There is no such thing as dragging this on, because that's not what we do."
Russell expressed similar confidence about the negotiations, stating: "We're in no rush to do contract negotiations. We want to win together."
He also highlighted the success of Mercedes' junior programme, with both himself and Antonelli delivering strong performances as teammates.
Most Read
