Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that George Russell's contract extension is imminent, insisting there is "100 percent alignment" between them despite persistent rumours linking Max Verstappen to the team.
The 27-year-old British driver is currently out of contract at the end of the year, but Wolff has made it clear that a new deal is little more than a formality.
"George and I are totally clear about how this is going to go - there is 100 percent alignment. There is no such thing as dragging this on, because that is not what we do," Wolff said.
Russell has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2024 season after stepping out of Lewis Hamilton's shadow.
George Russell looks set to be handed a new contract at Mercedes amid rumours about Max Verstappen
PAIn his new role as undisputed team leader at Mercedes, the Brit finished in the top five in each of the first six Grands Prix, scoring four podiums along the way.
His strong performances have continued throughout the season, with Russell currently sitting fourth in the Drivers' Championship behind Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Verstappen.
He has consistently outperformed the capabilities of the Mercedes car, which has not been in race-winning form.
Russell has also dominated Hamilton in qualifying this year and is 22 points clear of his teammate in the standings.
Wolff has made it clear that Russell's contract situation will be resolved much quicker than the team's announcement of Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton's replacement, which didn't come until the Italian Grand Prix in September last year.
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"No, definitely not that long," Wolff confirmed when asked if Russell would have to wait until September for a new deal.
This stands in contrast to the more drawn-out process with Antonelli, who was only confirmed in early September despite speculation throughout the 2023 season.
Mercedes chief communications officer Bradley Lord added: "We're under no rush... at the right time, him and Toto will sit down and it doesn't take terribly long to thrash these things out."
Russell's last contract renewal came in August 2023, when both he and Hamilton signed deals reportedly running until the end of the 2025 season.
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Toto Wolff appears ready to stick with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli
PA
However, with Hamilton's move to Ferrari revealing his contract had early exit options, questions emerged about Russell's agreement structure.
Despite Mercedes being heavily linked with Verstappen, particularly after Hamilton's departure announcement, Wolff has now made his commitment to Russell clear.
The team appears focused on building around Russell and teenage prospect Antonelli, with Wolff recently describing the reunion with former Mercedes colleagues James Vowles and Andy Cowell at a press conference as a "pinch me moment" from their glory years.
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