Toto Wolff Reveals Latest on George Russell Contract Talks

Toto Wolff has given an update on the contract situation of George Russell as the Mercedes driver’s current deal comes to an end this year. Russell, who began his association with Mercedes in 2017, stepped up recently to lead the team after Lewis Hamilton moved to Ferrari.

This season, Russell secured Mercedes’ first win in Canada, drawing attention to his future with the Brackley-based squad.

Wolff addressed the issue following Russell’s latest success, stating that the British driver has shown strong development since joining the team.

He emphasized that Russell has taken on a senior role since Hamilton’s departure. “He’s been with us so long and he’s growing,” Wolff explained, recalling Russell’s path from Williams to being on level terms with Hamilton in a challenging period for Mercedes.

Since Hamilton left, Russell has naturally filled the senior driver’s spot. The Mercedes boss made it clear there are no major concerns about securing Russell’s signature for a new contract.

Wolff hinted discussions are ongoing and that an agreement should be completed in the coming months. He suggested the team may finalize things after several races scheduled for June and July, citing the busy Formula 1 calendar as a reason for the wait.

He also noted that Russell doesn’t have to prove his abilities any longer, telling the press, “It isn’t dependent on whether he wins a race, whether he performs, because we know he can.”

Mercedes has maintained a strong interest in retaining young talent, with Russell viewed as a key part of their plans moving forward.

The speculation increased amid ongoing rumors about Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, but Wolff’s recent comments show confidence in continuing with Russell for the next season.

Mercedes’ performance has seen improvements this year, highlighted by Russell’s win at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. He currently sits fourth in the driver standings with 136 points, showing his value to the team.

The 2025 season driver and team standings still reflect intense competition, with Mercedes aiming to close the gap to leaders McLaren. Wolff’s support for Russell is clear as he prepares the team for the upcoming triple-header races.

With many eyes on Russell’s contract, the expectation is for a new deal to be announced later this summer, allowing Mercedes to focus on the rest of the campaign. The team remains confident in their current driver lineup and looks ahead to further successes amid recent Mercedes FIA rule changes.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.