George Russell sets clear Mercedes target after finally agreeing new F1 contract

George Russell has put the pressure on Mercedes to make 2026 "a success" after finally agreeing a new contract with the team.

The Briton agreed a new deal with the Brackley squad ahead of the United States Grand Prix, bringing to an end the contract saga which had been rumbling on throughout the summer, with boss Toto Wolff exploring the opportunity to sign Max Verstappen.

Once it became clear that Verstappen was staying at Red Bull for 2026, Russell's extension was deemed a formality, but official confirmation was lacking. 

The five-time grand prix winner has been re-signed to lead Mercedes into the 2026 rules overhaul, with the team widely expected to be one of the leading contenders given the scale of changes being made to the power units and its success in the turbo-hybrid era.

Reflecting on his announcement, in which the contract length was not disclosed, alongside team-mate Kimi Antonelli, Russell insisted the team was focusing on ensuring 2026 would be "a success."

"I am really proud to be continuing our journey together, next year will mark my 10th, since I signed with Mercedes back in 2017," Russell explained.

"It has been such a long and successful partnership with the team so far.

"I can't wait to see what lies ahead, particularly as we embark on one of the largest regulation changes in the sport's history next year. 

"We are all incredibly focused on making that a success and, for me personally, building on what has been my strongest season in F1 to date."