Mercedes may back Russell for F1 runner-up after poor run

Mercedes is considering giving George Russell "all the force" to help him secure second place in the 2026 drivers' championship, according to team principal Toto Wolff. Russell has had a difficult stretch, scoring 26 points over the last five grands prix compared with 116 for Max Verstappen, after issues including a power unit failure in Malaysia, a crash out of the sprint in the same race, an engine penalty in Singapore and a spin at pit exit in Sao Paulo.

Three rounds remain, with five drivers still in contention for the runner-up spot: Verstappen (279 points), Russell (262), Lewis Hamilton (261), Charles Leclerc (249) and Lando Norris (246). Kimi Antonelli has already clinched the title in Mexico, and Mercedes secured the constructors' championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Wolff said Russell had dominated wet qualifying in Brazil before a final lap cost him pole position, and that he expected Russell to recover next year.