F1 Today | Russell staying at Mercedes shuts door on Verstappen as as Ben Sulayem lands major FIA win

George Russell is set to continue racing for Mercedes beyond the end of the current campaign, with GPBlog understanding that the Briton is already tied to the Brackley-based outfit on a multi-year contract running through to the end of the 2027 season. While reports in Italy suggested Mercedes had recently activated an option in Russell's deal, GPBlog understands that is not the case, meaning no official announcement is expected from the team.

The development could also have significant implications for Max Verstappen's future. Should the Dutchman decide to leave Red Bull, one of the most frequently discussed destinations would effectively be off the table. With Russell's place secure and Kimi Antonelli viewed as a key part of Mercedes' long-term plans, any move for Verstappen would likely require the team to part ways with its current championship leader - a scenario that appears highly unlikely.

Earlier this season, Russell acknowledged that his contract contained several clauses, but insisted they were straightforward to fulfil and never represented a genuine concern. Mercedes has consistently maintained that both Russell and Antonelli form the foundation of its long-term project, making a Verstappen switch for 2027 increasingly improbable.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has secured a significant governance victory after FIA members voted to abolish presidential term limits during the General Assembly in Macau. As previously reported by GPBlog, the proposal to remove the existing restriction was put to a vote and received the necessary backing to be approved.

According to BBC Sport, the motion passed with 90.71% support, paving the way for future FIA presidents to serve an unlimited number of four-year terms. Under the previous regulations, presidents were limited to a maximum of three terms, meaning they could remain in office for no more than 12 years. Following the outcome, Ben Sulayem described the decision as another step forward for the federation, stressing that the reforms were the product of collaboration across the FIA's global membership. He also reiterated his commitment to expanding participation, encouraging innovation and strengthening the organisation's long-term sustainability.

If further proposed governance changes are also approved, Ben Sulayem could, in theory, remain FIA president indefinitely, provided he continues to win elections. That would also allow him to seek re-election beyond the age of 70, removing another potential restriction on his tenure. The Emirati returned for a second term at the end of 2025 after first taking over from Jean Todt in 2021. Under the previous rules, he was already eligible to stand for a third term, as he would still have met the age requirements at the time of the election.