Mercedes driver George Russell will be absent from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix media day, the team has confirmed. The Briton will skip the traditional questions from the media ahead of a grand prix weekend "as he is resting up ahead of tomorrow's on-track action," a team spokesman told media, including RacingNews365. Russell is expected to assume driving duties across the Baku weekend, with Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas available to deputise should the need arise. Russell remains without a formal contract for the 2026 season, although both he and boss Toto Wolff expect an announcement on a renewal as soon as the fine details have been agreed.

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