Toto Wolff claims George Russell's contract reneal is "super near" to being signed. Photo: RacePictures.

Russell responds to Wolff's joke as key contract detail is revealed

15:31, 04 Oct

byNorberto Mujica

Contract negotiations at Mercedes are in full swing apparently, with George Russell and Toto Wolff providing key updates in the status of the yet to be signed - and highly anticipated - agreement.

"There is no necessary danger of that happening. But if it does, it does.

- George Russell

After the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Wolff teased Russell with a humorous 'warning.' Should the deals not be signed before testing for the 2026 season got underway his hand would be forced to field 'other drivers' instead.

Speaking on Thursday ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix Russell was faced with that scenario in particular. If both parties can't see eye to eye and the deal remains unsigned when 2026 testing begins, what then?

"No [it won't come to that], I don't think so. It shouldn’t, to be honest. Yeah, things are moving and progressing," Russell said.

The British Mercedes driver then indicated that in-season work and also with preparations still in full swing looking ahead to next season and the regulatory changes it will bring, time is scarce for holding contractual talks.

"And as I've said on numerous occasions before, between races it's not like we sit at home on the sofa with our feet up and nothing else is going on.

"You know, I've been in Brackley and Brixworth this week, working hard on the sim, looking ahead also to next year. Last week, a couple of sponsor events, training, getting back in shape. So, our schedules are extremely busy."

Though stating that it could indeed remain a possibility that the deal isn't signed before testing, he assured he did not expect the situation to come to that.

"And as I said, there is no necessary danger of that happening. But if it does, it does — but I don't expect it to," Russell concluded.

Wolff issues key Russell contract update

After FP3, Wolff was asked by Sky Sports regarding the timing of the signing of the deal. “We are super near," the Mercedes team principal said.

When pressed for further clarity, and whether it was a matter of days, hours or minutes, the Austrian replied with a cryptic: “Something like that."

GPblog understands that Andrea Kimi Antonelli's and Russell's contract renewals are only a mere formality.

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