Wolff prolonging discussions with Russell - report

      "The renewal will definitely occur, but it isn’t finalized yet."

      30 September 2025 - 15:42

      George Russell's contract renewal with Mercedes is still pending, with reports from Japan indicating that Toto Wolff is intentionally delaying negotiations due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding Max Verstappen.

      As reported by as-web.jp, Russell initially sought a three-year contract with a salary similar to Lando Norris' estimated $20 million at McLaren. However, team principal Wolff responded with an offer of less than half that amount and a one-year extension, reportedly citing the possibility of Verstappen moving from Red Bull to Mercedes in 2027.

      Sources indicate that Russell is willing to accept a one-year deal, but only if it includes performance clauses, particularly in comparison to rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli. The 26-year-old Briton wants assurances that consistently outperforming Antonelli would lead to a renewal.

      Wolff, however, is said to be against any special stipulations. "We are in no rush," he told media in Baku recently. "The renewal will definitely happen, but it’s not done yet."

      Currently managed directly by Mercedes, Russell is reportedly considering the option of hiring an independent manager to bolster his stance in the 2027 driver market, when various high-profile contracts expire.

      Meanwhile, Wolff acknowledged that his summer discussions with Verstappen were "more on a personal level" but did not rule out the possibility of pursuing the Dutch driver when new engine regulations come into effect.

      At the same time, Auto Motor und Sport reports that Mercedes' 2026 power unit program is experiencing initial challenges, with frequent failures during testing. Engineers emphasize that the current situation resembles that of 2014, when early setbacks eventually led to a dominant engine package that secured eight consecutive titles.

      Mercedes will also need to manage the additional challenge of supplying McLaren, Williams, and new partner Alpine, alongside its own team, as Aston Martin transitions to Honda at the end of 2025.

      Chief engineer Andrew Shovlin mentioned that the broader pool of teams will facilitate development: "With more cars on the track and increased mileage, errors are identified more quickly. Back in 2014, we had a distinct performance advantage over our competitors—history could repeat itself."