17/10/2025 13:30
George Russell has stated Toto Wolff could have been "substantially
tighter" during his Mercedes negotiations. The British driver's
long-awaited contract extension with the eight-time constructors'
champions was announced earlier this week, in the lead-up to the
United States Grand Prix. There has been considerable speculation
surrounding the deal and the delay in it being confirmed by the
Brackley-based squad. There were reports that Russell was not happy
with the proposed length of the extension, given the looming threat
of Max Verstappen, whom Wolff was actively courting earlier in the
campaign. However, even when the Dutchman pledged his allegiance to
Red Bull for the 2026 season, where he is contracted until the end
of 2028, it took longer than anticipated for Russell's contract
renewal to get over the line. In the end, only a deal for 2026 was
announced, but it is widely believed that the full details have not
been disclosed by the team. Nonetheless, Russell insists he is
"very happy" with the terms agreed, which financially is reportedly
£30 million per year . Speaking at the Circuit of the Americas, he
told media, including RacingNews365 : "I'm very happy to be honest,
because given the situation and circumstances with me and the team,
Toto could have been substantially tighter if he wanted to be. "But
I think he really recognises that you need to reward those who are
delivering, who are putting in the effort and delivering those
results on track." More on George Russell The 'main goal' for
Russell Russell has been a stand-out performer in F1 this season,
and the consensus in the paddock — an opinion shared by the driver
himself — is that he is ready to fight for championships. Since
joining from Williams at the start of 2022, Mercedes, however, has
not been able to provide him that opportunity. The five-time grand
prix winner maintains that being blessed with a "fast race car" is
the most important aspect for him, with Mercedes considered one of
the favourites for title glory when F1 overhauls its power unit and
chassis regulations this winter, something Russell believes to be
the case. "And that's why I'm sort of here with a smile on my face,
because I'm very happy with the offer. As I said, it could have
been much tighter if he [Wolff] wanted to be," he added. "So,
that's the bonus, but the main goal for me is a fast race car."
