George Russell says Mercedes need more races to assess title bid

Mercedes driver George Russell cautioned that the season is still too early to declare a championship fight. He said the team must prove its pace on a variety of circuits over the coming races before drawing firm conclusions about its title prospects.

Reports indicate Mercedes has exercised an option in Russell’s contract, confirming a multi‑year deal that keeps him at the team through the 2027 season. Although some outlets initially denied the move, the agreement appears settled, removing speculation about a possible switch for Max Verstappen.

Russell also addressed Ferrari’s performance ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, noting the Italian squad’s recent upgrades and the need to see whether they can challenge Mercedes. He highlighted ongoing reliability concerns after technical problems in Barcelona and Canada, stressing that fixing the car’s electronics and battery systems remains a priority. In the drivers’ standings, teammate Kimi Antonelli leads the championship, with Russell currently third, 50 points behind.