Russell warned Mercedes future not guaranteed as Antonelli pressure grows

The 28-year-old established himself as the early favourite to win the world title after opening the 2026 campaign with a win at the Australian Grand Prix behind the wheel of an impressive Mercedes machine.

The Brit currently leads the way in the drivers' standings with 51 points, while teammate Kimi Antonelli sits just four points behind after a fantastic maiden Grand Prix win at the Chinese Grand Prix.

It was a race that showed the teenager is well and truly in the fight for the title, and Hill suspects that Russell's future at Mercedes could come into question once again, despite signing a multi-year contract extension towards the end of the 2025 season.

“Kimi is Toto’s protégé, if you like. He’s put his reputation on the line to get this guy in,” explained Hill on the Stay On Track podcast.

After many months of speculation during the 2025 season, Mercedes announced that Russell would sign a multi-year contract extension to keep him driving at the German team for the 2026 campaign.

After that news was announced at the United States Grand Prix, the Brit went on to say that he would like to "continue with Mercedes indefinitely" after moving from Williams after the 2021 season.

Despite questions about Russell's future at the German team coming up in conversation once again, a revelation was made by the 28-year-old in October 2025 after his contract extension, stating: "If I'm performing (in 2026), we have a specific clause that if I reach (a target), we will automatically renew for 2027, so my seat for 2027 is in my hands."

But despite the new contract extension, Hill believes that Russell's future at Mercedes may not be safe, drawing comparisons to his dismissal from Williams a year after winning the 1996 World Championship.

“George has got the opportunity now to win the championship. But that’s not going to guarantee him his future at Mercedes,” continued the Brit.