Vowff: We should have talked to Verstappen.
Toto Wolff signaled that he has made a principled decision to extend George Russell's contract until 2026. The Mercedes boss added that George knew in advance that no contract would be signed with him until the team clarified Max Verstappen's plans.
Toto Wolff: "Will there be news about George's contract soon? Yes. I have always said that I am satisfied with our drivers – Russell and Kimi Antonelli. But suddenly, Max's future became uncertain, so we were also negotiating with him.
But I have always been completely honest with George: in 90% of cases, he would stay with us, but we had to talk to Verstappen. Now the situation has clarified, and everything has returned to normal."
Wolff added that he is pleased with Russell's progress and how he has taken on the role of team leader after Lewis Hamilton's departure: "Last year, it was already clear how mature George had become, but he was in the shadow of a champion like Hamilton.
When Lewis left, he naturally took on the role of leader and demonstrated results that even exceeded the car's potential."
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Vowff: We should have talked to Verstappen.
Toto Wolff indicated that he has made a fundamental decision to extend George Russell's contract until 2026. The Mercedes boss added that George was aware in advance that no contract would be signed with him until the team clarified Max Verstappen's plans.