It has been a strong start to the 2025 season for George Russell amid questions about his future at Mercedes.
Russell is contracted up until the end of the 2025 season, but there has been no change to his contract status despite varying success for Mercedes.
The Briton achieved an unexpected victory at the Canadian GP, which bolstered his position within the team, but there has yet to be any movement from Wolff’s camp.
Amid speculation that the Silver Arrows could turn to Max Verstappen, team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that he made one assurance to Russell when speaking to Formula.hu.
Photo by Kym Illman/Getty ImagesToto Wolff told George Russell he was part of Mercedes’ future
Mercedes have been in contact with Verstappen over a potential drive in the future, according to Russell, after the team didn’t announce him for 2026 and beyond at the British GP.
Wolff is known for prolonging talks, having also done the same with Lewis Hamilton in 2023, before the Briton activated a break clause in 2024 to join Ferrari.
Verstappen shut down any rumours that he would be joining Mercedes before the summer break, confirming his commitment to Red Bull for 2026.
Wolff confirmed that a contract with Russell could happen “soon” and explained what he told the Briton during recent talks.
“It was always obvious to me that George was part of our future, I told him that, he knows it. But, you know, it’s a tough sport. Sometimes you have to keep your options open and look carefully at what the future could be in the medium and long term. In this sport, you have to deal with pressure,” said Wolff.
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Nico Rosberg has already warned Russell that negotiating with Wolff is ‘horrible’ when it comes to earning a new contract with the team.
While negotiations are ongoing with Mercedes, details have slowly trickled through over what that might look like for the driver who has achieved four wins so far in his F1 career.
Recent reports state that Russell is in for a ‘multi-season’ contract that will be £30m-a-year, after impressing with his fourth place in the Drivers’ Championship.
Mercedes could face pressure from rival team Aston Martin, having considered Russell for the future, even though it looks likely they will stick with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll for 2026.