Wolff discusses Russell's contract situation at Mercedes: 'It's a tough sport'

10:48, 19 Aug

byCas van de Kleut

Before the summer break, much was said about whether Max Verstappen would replace George Russell at Mercedes. Eventually, the Dutchman announced himself that this would not be the case. Toto Wolff told in a conversation with Formula.hu that he had to keep his options open.

There is already mutual trust between Russell and Mercedes that a deal for a contract can be made. For a while, the German racing stable kept the door open for Verstappen.

GPblog reported that the Dutchman would prefer to stay at Red Bull and this was ultimately the choice he made. At this moment there is no announcement yet that Russell has extended his contract with Mercedes.

However, Bradley Lord made it clear in a conversation with GPblog that it is intended that Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli stay on the team in 2026. The team representative for Mercedes stated that the two enjoy the fullest confidence of the German racing team.

George Russell in Hungary

Wolff about Russell's contract situation at Mercedes

Wolff has now spoken out about the situation with Russell: “It was always clear to me that George would be part of our future. I told him that and he knows it.''

''It's a tough sport. Sometimes you have to keep your options open and look closely at what the future might bring in the medium term. In this sport you have to deal with pressure.”

Initially, the focus was on Max Verstappen potentially taking Russell’s seat, but the two have drawn closer in the championship since Hungary.

While the Dutchman could manage only ninth place, Russell finished on the podium. The gap between them is now just fifteen points.

The distance to Oscar Piastri, the championship leader, and teammate Lando Norris is greater, with the McLaren duo holding a 97- and 88-point lead over third-placed Verstappen.