Russell’s situation took a fresh twist after his own claim that “ongoing” talks between Verstappen and Mercedes were influencing his wait for a new deal, team principal Toto Wolff and Verstappen yet to shut down the idea that this union could come to be for F1 2026.

George Russell's contract extension with Mercedes has stalled amid growing speculation over the team's strong links to Max Verstappen.

GEORGE RUSSELL claims he is all set to sign a new ­Mercedes deal, silencing speculation he could be dumped for Max Verstappen. The Brit, 27, is out of contract next year and his boss Toto Wolff