Toto Wolff makes final decision on replacing George Russell as Brit gets answer

Toto Wolff has confirmed that George Russell will 'definitely' be driving for Mercedes next year, ending speculation over his long-term future with the Silver Arrows. The Brit strengthened his negotiating position with an excellent drive at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Russell and team-mate Kimi Antonelli are both out of contract at the end of the season, and for a few months, it looked as though one of them could be shuffled onto the sidelines to make room for Max Verstappen. However, with the Dutchman now committed to Red Bull next year, the pressure has eased. With his future seemingly secure, Russell delivered an exceptional performance at the Hungaroring, pipping polesitter Charles Leclerc to the final spot on the podium behind the dominant McLaren duo. Verstappen, meanwhile, crossed the line down in ninth.

Putting the speculation surrounding his future to bed, Wolff declared: "Definitely, he's staying. The team is strong. He has shown it today again." Looking at the negotiation process, he continued: "Well, George has always had good cards, because he has delivered since 2018.

"There wasn't a season he wasn't there, and nothing changed that in our thinking for next year. So, just because you don't talk outside doesn't mean that things are progressing in your relationship internally, and when it comes to contracts, let's see. We will come out and say what kind of term we've put forward."

With so much uncertainty surrounding his future over the past few months, Russell is looking forward to a break from the F1 paddock ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of the month. In fact, the Brit has no plans to seal his new contract in the coming weeks.

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"I don't think today was different to what I've shown in my whole career," he declared. "I know what I'm capable of. I am going straight on holiday tonight for 10 days off."

Russell continued: "I've got nothing to be worried about. I've got nothing to be worried about over the summer. Honestly, I just want to have a rest, recharge, come back stronger. There is no time pressure either way. It'll happen when it happens. It's 'when' not 'if'.

"I am 27 now. I've been with the team for four years. Next year would be my fifth. We want to build the relationship together, but it's got to be right. I don't want to rush it, I've waited 12 months, so I won't rush it over two weeks."