Brit Russell lands longer deal with Verstappen in view

GEORGE RUSSELL has finally put pen to paper on a new Mercedes contract after months of delays.

- BY DANIEL MOXON

It is understood the Brit, 27, has landed a multiyear extension worth around £30million a year as reward for his outstanding form this season. It gives Russell the third-highest driver salary on the Formula One grid, behind only Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

The deal also gives him an extra layer of protection against the ongoing threat posed by Verstappen, with the Silver Arrows still keeping a close eye on the four-time champion.

Verstappen will stick with Red Bull for the 2026 season, but will reassess his future next year once the grid's balance of power in a new era of technical rules has become clear.