DRIVER MARKET: Why has Russell not agreed a Mercedes deal for 2026 yet?

George Russell is in the form of his life. The Briton won his second race of the season and fifth of his career with a sublime conversion of pole position last time out in Singapore and sits in fourth in the Drivers' Standings, only 99 points off the championship lead despite his Mercedes' deficiencies.

His boss Toto Wolff said his charge has been "formidable" this year. Despite this comment, and Russell's superb form, he has yet to agree a deal to race in 2026.

He is 99.99% certain to be on the grid next year – and it will 99.99% be with Mercedes alongside Kimi Antonelli in an unchanged line-up, but negotiations have stretched out.