A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
Toto Wolff has provided an update regarding the extension of George Russell's contract at Mercedes, revealing why the German team adopts a shorter contract term approach with their drivers.
After the Dutch Grand Prix, Wolff confirmed Mercedes would continue onward with Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Russell in 2026, following a hectic period where Max Verstappen was often linked to a move to the German team.
However, the deal with both drivers is yet to be announced, although Wolff clarified that no 'big announcement' should be expected, since the decision is a 'no brainer.'
Speaking after FP1 for the Italian Grand Prix, the Austrian team owner, principal and CEO, revealed to Sky Sports why Mercedes has ever opted to give out short term deals to their drivers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Longer term deal would not make drivers 'be quicker'
"We have not always gone for very long contracts and kept it short. The longest we have done is a two [year] with some option, so it's a Mercedes pattern."
Nevertheless, Russell's future could've been sorted last year, but not according to Wolff, who despite acknowledging the pressure Mercedes drivers are always under, a longer deal should not make them 'be quicker.'
"We were on a 1+1 [deal] and that's traditionally what we have done.
"The drivers are under tremendous pressure. If a driver said they would be quicker with a two-year contract, that mindset is not right."
ADVERTISEMENT
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on Google
