Mercedes and George Russell have yet to confirm that they will continue working together beyond the 2025 Formula 1 season. George Russell enters the Singapore Grand Prix sitting fourth in the drivers’ championship, with the title out of reach, but a comfortable lead over both Ferrari drivers. Russell and his Mercedes teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli have been publicly assured by team principal Toto Wolff that they will be racing for the team in 2026. This appears to be delaying a deal with Russell, who wants a long-term deal at Mercedes to protect himself against the potential arrival of Verstappen. More F1 StoriesREAD MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to heightPhoto by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesMercedes keep insisting on offering George Russell a one-year contract amid Max Verstappen interestSpeaking on his YouTube channel about the situation at Mercedes, Leme explained: “How can Mercedes sign Russell for more than a year, knowing that Verstappen will be the driver from 2027?