Wolff reveals what Russell needs to do to get a new Mercedes contract

The British driver has made very few mistakes behind the wheel and looked assured as a team leader alongside Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Russell took the win last time out in Canada and has been spearheading Mercedes' challenge in the post-Lewis Hamilton era.

In Austria, Russell set the pace in FP1 as Mercedes enjoyed the benefits of some new updates on their car.

Despite the superb performances, he is without a contract for the 2026 season at the Mercedes team.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff told GPBlog and others after first practice for the Austrian Grand Prix that he can't do any more to sign a new deal.

Wolff said: "Nothing. He has been part of our programme since 10 years or so. He's always performed to the expectations that we have said, and he's continuing to do so. We haven't given him a car to win World Championship in the last three years, so that's completely on us.

Mercedes have been rumoured to have been in discussions with reigning world champion Max Verstappen, while Antonelli should stay for 2026.