Nico Rosberg is optimistic about George Russell’s imminent agreement on a fresh contract with Mercedes, despite Toto Wolff’s challenging negotiation style. Russell’s future with Mercedes has been a topic of discussion for some time, with his existing contract set to expire at the close of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
As the deadline approaches, Russell is still without a new deal. Speculation arose that negotiations were delayed due to Mercedes exploring options with Max Verstappen, potentially trying to entice the Red Bull driver away.
However, Russell’s outlook improved following Verstappen’s decision to remain with Red Bull until 2026, especially after Christian Horner’s departure as team principal. Wolff hinted that a deal for Russell could be finalized post the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend.
Recent reports indicate that Russell is on the verge of sealing a multi-year contract extension with Mercedes, possibly extending until the end of the 2027 season, positioning him alongside young talent Kimi Antonelli for the foreseeable future.
Former Mercedes driver Rosberg, now a Sky Sports F1 pundit, shares the view that Russell’s contract negotiations have been challenging, drawing from his own experiences with Wolff’s evasive tactics during contract talks.
Despite Wolff affirming his commitment to both Russell and Antonelli for 2026, the potential multi-year deal for Russell leaves open the prospect of him partnering with Verstappen in the future, despite past conflicts on and off the track.
Mercedes is currently satisfied with Russell as their lead driver, given his strong performance this season, including a victory at the Canadian Grand Prix and a substantial lead over Antonelli in points and podium finishes.
Wolff dismissed the notion that contract delays have influenced Russell’s on-track performance, emphasizing the driver’s maturity and consistency. He expressed optimism about reaching an agreement before the summer break, ensuring a stable future for Russell.
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