Sainz’s comments came after Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, predicted over the summer break that the new 2026 engines could achieve eye-watering top speeds of around 400 kilometres per hour (248.5mph) at full power next season.

George Russell has confirmed there are performance-related guarantees in his Mercedes contract to race in 2027 as well as next season, suggesting his seat is safe should boss Toto Wolff pursue Max Verstappen again.

Russell and Verstappen do not see eye to eye but the Briton says that their rivalry could be the making of them as future driving teammates should it ever happen

Five-time grand prix winner Russell, 27, has raced for Mercedes since 2022 and was part of its young driver roster from 2017.

Russell found himself running behind team-mate Kimi Antonelli during the second half of Sunday’s race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with Oliver Bearman in his sights and McLaren star Oscar Piastri hunting him down from behind.

In his first interview since a new contract with Mercedes was announced, George Russell talks about how he is in the form of his life

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will stay with Mercedes in Formula 1 next year after the team finally concluded a drawn-out contract renewal process.

Lando Norris made a statement by topping the timing sheet in FP3 at the Mexico City Grand Prix ahead of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. As is usually the case with the final practice session of the weekend,