Wednesday’s fast-paced F1 news includes George Russell closing in on a new Mercedes contract after Max Verstappen’s decision to stay at Red Bull for F1 2026. Let’s charge through the day’s main headlines at breakneck speed.

Former Formula One driver Jenson Button has backed Max Verstappen 's move to Mercedes, saying he would form an excellent driver lineup with George Russell. While that would mean replacing Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Button said the junior driver is yet to showcase his true talent.

It seems George Russell is keeping his options open and so doesn’t want to be locked down by Mercedes for multiple seasons. Now that speculation about Max Verstappen going to Mercedes for next season has been shown as erroneous,