Russell nearing agreement on new Mercedes contract - report

George Russell is reported to be on the brink of signing a new contract with Mercedes.

Russell is enjoying his best start to an F1 season, claiming three podiums from the opening four races, notably finishing as runner-up in Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix, holding off McLaren's Lando Norris, despite technical issues with his W15.

It resulted in Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praising Russell for his "unbelievable" performance, crossing the line 15 seconds behind Oscar Piastri in his McLaren to leave him fourth in the drivers' standings, 14 points behind Norris.

Out of contract at the end of the year, Wolff recently stated that he did not see an issue in re-signing Russell, and the duo appear close to fulfilling that claim.

The Italian arm of Motorsport.com is reporting that Russell will put pen to paper on a two-year extension - with the option for a third - worth an estimated $30 million a year.

This would leave Mercedes with one seat available for 2026 as rookie star Kimi Antonelli only has a deal through to the end of this year.

It seems unthinkable, though, that Wolff will not retain the highly rated Italian after deciding to put his faith in the 18-year-old last year in opting for him as the replacement for seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.

With new deals almost certain for both drivers, it would close the door on an escape route for Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who has long been linked with a move to the German manufacturer.