Wolff confirms Russell’s future after Hungarian GP podium

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George Russell’s strong 2025 campaign with Mercedes looks set to continue into the next Formula 1 season, with team principal Toto Wolff offering the clearest indication yet that the British driver will remain with the Brackley-based outfit next season.

Speaking after Russell’s impressive third-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Wolff emphasized the 27-year-old’s integral role in the team’s plans as they prepare for the next era of Formula 1 regulations.

The Briton has emerged as Mercedes’ cornerstone in 2025, stepping into the team leader role following Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari and the arrival of teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli.

Russell is in the midst of his strongest season to date with the Silver Arrows squad, clinching victory in Canada and securing five additional podiums, including his latest in Hungary, where he executed a bold late-race overtake on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to claim third.

“Definitely, he’s staying,” Wolff declared after the race, leaving little room for doubt about Russell’s future. “The team is strong. He has shown it today again.”

Russell’s consistent performances have placed him fourth in the drivers’ championship with 172 points, just 15 points shy of reigning world champion Max Verstappen in third. His rise has been a bright spot in a transitional year for Mercedes, who are navigating significant changes both on and off the track.

A Long-Term Commitment to a Proven Talent

Wolff was unequivocal in his assessment of Russell’s value to the team – both now and going forward into Formula 1’s new era that will begin in 2026.

“Well, George has always had good cards, because he has delivered since 2018,” Wolff said, referring to Russell’s time in the Mercedes junior programme and his development since.

“There wasn’t a season he wasn’t there, and nothing changed that in our thinking for next year.”

©Mercedes

Despite the lack of public updates on a new contract, Wolff hinted that talks were well underway behind closed doors.

“So, just because you don’t talk outside doesn’t mean that things aren’t progressing in your relationship internally, and when it comes to a contract, let’s see. We will come out and say what kind of term we’ve put forward,” Wolff explained.

Read also: Russell suggests Ferrari slowed Leclerc to dodge technical breach

Russell, for his part, has remained calm about the situation, suggesting both sides are aligned and in no rush.

“I’ve waited so long, and I think now I want to get through this weekend,” he said ahead of last weekend’s race in Budapest, quoted by Speedcafe.

“I want to go on a holiday next week and enjoy the break, and there is no time pressure my side.

“There is no time pressure from the team’s side. So whenever we come to an agreement, we’ll get it done, but it’s got to be right both ways.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.