Wolff cools buzz on new Russell deal: ‘Give me a few more months’

Toto Wolff has once again underlined Mercedes' loyalty to George Russell, reiterating that contract talks are on track and entirely mutual – despite persistent speculation linking the Silver Arrows with Red Bull ace Max Verstappen.

With Russell’s contract set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, rumors have swirled about Mercedes potentially targeting the four-time world champion from Red Bull, a driver Wolff has long admired.

However, the Austrian has made it clear once and for all that Russell, alongside rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, is central to Mercedes’ plans for F1’s 2026 regulatory era, and beyond.

Speaking to the media on Thursday in Monaco, Wolff emphasized the clarity and alignment in his negotiations with Russell, dispelling notions of a prolonged delay.

"100 Per Cent Alignment" with Russell

“George and I are totally clear of how this is going to go, and 100 per cent alignment. There is no such thing as dragging this on because that’s not what we do,” Wolff stated firmly.

Speculation had suggested that Mercedes might wait until the Italian Grand Prix in September to announce a decision, in line with past contract updates. But Wolff swiftly shot that down.

“No. Definitely not that long,” he said when asked about the timeline for Russell’s contract announcement.

Still, while the relationship between Wolff and Russell remains strong, Wolff indicated that fans shouldn’t expect an immediate resolution. Instead, both parties are prioritizing the performance of the struggling W16.

“If we start to talk about it too much in the media that is going to be a never-ending story,” Wolff said. “George and I are completely clear how this is all going to pan out.”

Pressed on how close a new deal might be, he added: “Give me another few months.”

Focus on Improving Mercedes W16

Despite the clarity in direction regarding drivers, Wolff was visibly frustrated with Mercedes' on-track struggles.

At the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix last week in Imola, Russell started a strong third but faded to seventh by the checkered flag, while Antonelli retired from his home race due to technical issues.

“It’s annoying,” Wolff admitted. “We don’t seem to get on top of some of the issues. Tyre deg in the race, we overheat. We can’t always wait for colder races to come as we also need to learn for next year.”

Mercedes' inability to solve fundamental performance issues has hampered their return to the front of the grid. And Wolff’s comments reflect a team in transition – not just in personnel, but in ambition, fighting to match its past dominance with new machinery.

• Read also: Claire Williams recalls agony of blocking Russell’s Mercedes move

As Mercedes navigates one of its most crucial transition periods in the hybrid era, Wolff’s message is clear: no distractions, no drama.

Russell remains central to the team’s plan, and while Antonelli is being groomed as a long-term partner, Verstappen is not on the Brackley squad’s radar.

Whether this steadfast approach pays off will depend on whether Mercedes can translate alignment and loyalty into race wins. For now, though, George Russell’s future in silver looks as secure as ever.

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