While George Russell said interested teams have reached out in the past, no F1 2026 talks beyond Mercedes are currently active. The four-time grand prix winner feels little need to speak with rival teams – despite rumours that Max Verstappen could swap Red Bull for Mercedes – as Russell sees only an “exceptionally low” chance that he is not part of the Mercedes F1 2026 line-up.

George Russell's Mercedes contract expires at the end of 2025, and a contract extension has yet to be signed. However, according to a report by FUno analisi tecnica, Russell was offered a 1+1 year contract extension until the end of 2026,