Wolff reacts: Russell 'warned' in ominous driver lineup claim
George Russell finished P2 in Baku. Photo: RacePictures
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Mercedes Team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff, has jested that if the drivers' contracts are not signed before testing for 2026 begins, the team will put "someone else in the car."
George Russell in Monza paddock - Photo: RacePictures
It's all coming. It has to be before the tests, otherwise we have to put someone else in the car.- Toto Wolff
Speaking after the race where Russell came home in P2, Wolff was asked for an update on their drivers' contracts.
"It's all coming," he said to Sky Sports Germany. "It has to be before the tests, otherwise we have to put someone else in the car," in what sounded like a stern warning, but was indeed a playful quip.
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Regardless, Wolff stillcomplimented his drivers Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli on their P2 and P4 respective results in the streets of Baku saying: "A solid weekend with a second place.
"For how sick George was this weekend, he drove a great race. Kimi has consolidated well. He's not happy not to be on the podium, but it was important points for the team."
George Russell seems to be the one holding all the cards in his contract negotiations with Mercedes, since all other top drivers have been secured by their teams for 2026.
Reportedly, the British driver is trying to negotiate fewer PR days for his new contract. According to former Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg, these would add up to a total of two months.
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Why Russell may be trying to get the most out of his next Mercedes deal
In Austria Russell himself revealed Max Verstappen and Mercedes were holding exploratory talks. Then Wolff admitted he was interested in luring Verstappen to Brackley. For weeks the media was sent into a frenzy, all speculating whether or not Verstappen would make the switch.
The potential move was eventually written off by Verstappen himself, reaffirming his commitment to drive for Red Bull Racing next year.
A trait of Wolff's negotiation tactics has been confirmed by Rosberg as well, where the Austrian simply "disappears," making the contract talks un-nerving.
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