Russell reportedly set for new mega Mercedes deal

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George Russell is reportedly on the verge of signing a lucrative new deal with Mercedes that would keep the rising star with the Silver Arrows until the end of 2028 — and it comes with a jaw-dropping pay bump.

According to a report from Motorsport.com, the fresh two-year extension, which includes an option for 2028, is expected to be worth “around $30m per season” – roughly £23 million – a massive leap from Russell’s current salary and a clear vote of confidence from Mercedes in their young lead driver.

The 26-year-old Brit has made a strong case on track this season, emerging as the spearhead of the team alongside rookie Kimi Antonelli.

Russell currently sits fourth in the drivers’ standings with three podiums from four races, just 14 points behind McLaren’s Lando Norris. His blistering drive to second in Bahrain particularly impressed Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

“It was an unbelievable drive,” Wolff said after Russell’s P2 finish. A performance like that will have done no harm to his contract talks — and sweetened the final figure.

No Room for Verstappen as Russell Solidifies His Spot

While Max Verstappen was linked to Mercedes during Red Bull’s internal turmoil a year ago, Wolff now seems laser-focused on extending his current lineup, dismissing any fresh attempts to lure the reigning world champion to Brackley.

“We need to concentrate on our driver line-up,” Wolff said last month at F1’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

“I don't flirt outside if I'm in a good relationship, and that is true for this year too. So at the moment that [a move for Verstappen] is not on any radar.”

With Lewis Hamilton now at Ferrari, Mercedes have opted to invest in continuity and youth, promoting Antonelli straight from Formula 2 and reinforcing their faith in Russell.

“We have had a chat a few weeks ago about what the right timing would be to liaise and I'm – naively or not – someone that sticks to what he says,” Wolff explained.

Read also: Wolff lauds Russell’s ‘unbelievable’ Bahrain drive amid setbacks

“These three [Russell, Antonelli and reserve driver Valtteri Bottas] are the combination that I want to go forward with Mercedes.

“I have no other reasons to doubt that, on the contrary. And we're going find some time I guess before the summer. We'll do that in a timely manner without disrupting the season.”

Russell’s extension now looks like a matter of when, not if — and Mercedes are making it clear he’s the man to lead them into the future.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.