Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has declared that George Russell is more likely to remain with the team for the 2026 Formula One season than Max Verstappen is to join. The statement, made on Friday, June 27, 2025, comes amid swirling speculation about Mercedes’ driver lineup and ongoing talks with the four-time world champion Verstappen, who is currently contracted to Red Bull until 2028.
Russell, whose contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the 2025 season, has been a standout performer this year, securing a victory at the Canadian Grand Prix and sitting just 19 points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ standings. Despite his strong form, rumors have persisted that Mercedes’ pursuit of Verstappen could delay Russell’s contract extension. On Thursday, Russell himself acknowledged these discussions, suggesting that the team’s interest in Verstappen might be holding up his own negotiations. However, Wolff was quick to clarify that there is no delay in Russell’s contract talks, emphasizing that the team is operating within an agreed timeline. “There is no delay in George’s contract negotiations,” Wolff told Sky Sports at the Red Bull Ring, where Russell topped the timesheets in first practice. “We talk about everything with George.”
Wolff’s comments addressed the ongoing speculation about Verstappen, who has been a long-term target for Mercedes since the team missed out on signing him during his Formula 3 days. Despite Verstappen’s existing contract with Red Bull, Wolff has not ruled out the possibility of pairing the Dutchman with Russell in the future, even though the two drivers have had a contentious relationship, marked by a collision at the Spanish Grand Prix and three post-race protests initiated by Red Bull against Russell in recent weeks. “I can imagine every line-up,” Wolff said when asked about the feasibility of a Verstappen-Russell pairing, suggesting that their rivalry would not necessarily preclude such a move.
However, Wolff made it clear that Russell remains central to Mercedes’ plans. “He’s been part of our program for around 10 years,” Wolff said of the 27-year-old Briton, who joined Mercedes from Williams in 2022 after progressing through the team’s junior program. “He’s always met our expectations and continues to do so.” Wolff highlighted Russell’s growth into a leadership role following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, noting that the team’s failure to provide a championship-winning car in recent years has not diminished Russell’s ability to deliver results when the car is competitive.
The prospect of Verstappen joining Mercedes has been a topic of intense discussion in the Formula One paddock, particularly as the sport approaches a new era of technical regulations in 2026. While Wolff admitted to ongoing conversations with Verstappen’s camp to understand his long-term plans, he stressed that these talks would not impact Russell’s contract negotiations. “That has no effect on us putting a signature on George’s contract,” Wolff stated, signaling confidence in retaining Russell alongside his current teammate, 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, who has impressed in his rookie season with a podium in Canada.
Russell, for his part, expressed confidence in his position, stating, “Toto has made it clear to me that he thinks how I’m performing this year is as good as anybody. If I’m performing as I’m doing, what have I got to be concerned about?” Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, Russell’s focus remains on the track, where he aims to build on his recent success at the Austrian Grand Prix.