11/10/2025 19:10
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes there is "tension"
between Mercedes driver George Russell and his boss Toto Wolff.
Russell still has not agreed on a contract extension with the
Brackley-based squad and remains without a drive for the 2026 F1
campaign. However, the five-time race winner is widely expected to
remain put next year, and RacingNews365 the contract delay stems
from Russell himself , who is seeking better personal terms.
Mercedes team boss Wolff has long been known to hold an interest in
signing Max Verstappen - a situation that Schumacher suggested has
caused a divide between Wolff and Russell. "Rumour has it that
Russell no longer wants Toto or, in any form, Toto as an advisor,"
Schumacher told the Backstage Boxengasse podcast. "I believe, as a
driver, he suffered a bit during the time they publicly flirted
with Max Verstappen and pushed him a bit to the side. That's the
feeling you get. "So, I believe there was tension, and I think
especially under these conditions." Russell enjoyed a positive
weekend last time out in Singapore, clinching pole position before
adding to his F1 win tally on Sunday. Schumacher believes progress
was made in the negotiations after Russell's impressive lap that
secured his starting position at the head of the field last
Saturday. "You remember, Toto Wolff had cancelled an interview
appointment with us at short notice after the qualifying,"
Schumacher added, referring to Sky Germany's live coverage. "I
almost suspect that this was ultimately the reason, because on
Sunday he admitted to us that both drivers are definitely with
Mercedes. So, not that they were still negotiating on that
Saturday, because somehow, George Russell was not in a good mood.
"I believe a lot was negotiated there. But I think they reached an
agreement on that Saturday. That was my feeling a bit, because
otherwise Toto Wolff wouldn't have stood in front of the camera."
