06/08/2025 15:36
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that George
Russell was delivered a "very clear" message that he "had to talk"
to Max Verstappen over a possible move. Russell suggested at the
Austrian Grand Prix that Mercedes' talks with the Dutchman had
slowed his own contract conversations, intensifying rumours tying
Verstappen to the Silver Arrows. Wolff revealed to media that
there had been communication with the four-time F1 champion over a
potential switch; however, Verstappen committed his future to Red
Bull in Hungary. As a result, Russell and Kimi Antonelli are
expected to be handed contract extensions, as alluded to by the
Briton, who claimed an announcement was a matter of "when, not
if". Now, Wolff has insisted Russell's new contract will be
announced shortly, but that he had to take the opportunity to speak
to Verstappen before he confirmed his Red Bull 2026 loyalty. Asked
by Gazzetta dello Sport if news on Russell's contract extension is
on the horizon, Wolff said: "Yes. I've always said that I'm happy
with my team, with Russell and Kimi Antonelli, but suddenly Max's
future became uncertain, so we also talked to him. "But I was
always very clear with George: 90% of the time, he would have
stayed with us, but I had to talk to Verstappen as well. Now the
situation is clear and everything can return to normal." Russell
managing Hamilton leadership role Russell has enjoyed an excellent
campaign so far, jostling with Verstappen for third in the F1
drivers' title. He is leading Mercedes' fight for second in the
standings, although the Brackley-based outfit currently finds
itself 24 points adrift of Ferrari. The 27-year-old has
comfortably taken on the Mercedes leadership baton from Lewis
Hamilton, following the seven-time world champion's move to
Maranello. Wolff has been impressed by Russell's development and
how he has picked up from where Hamilton left off. "Last year, it
was already clear how mature he had become, but of course, he was
always in the shadow of a champion like Hamilton," he said. "When
Lewis left, he naturally took on a leadership role and delivered
performances that even exceeded the car's potential."
