Mercedes Prioritizes George Russell’s Future Amidst Verstappen Rumors
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that securing the future of driver George Russell is a top priority for the Brackley outfit. Despite whispers of discussions with Max Verstappen regarding a potential switch to the team, intends to maintain their relationship with Russell following an impressive start to the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Russell’s Impressive Performance in 2025 F1 Season
Since joining Mercedes in 2022 alongside Lewis Hamilton, Russell has solidified his role as a cornerstone of the team’s future. This year, he has stepped into the team leadership role alongside young driver Kimi Antonelli, delivering a promising display of performance. With back-to-back podium finishes, Russell currently sits third in the drivers’ standings behind Lando Norris and Verstappen.
Last weekend, Russell enjoyed “probably one of my best weekends in F1 in terms of overall performance,” qualifying second behind Oscar Piastri and finishing in P3. This consistency has further solidified Wolff’s faith in the driver.
Contract Negotiations with Russell
Asked about Russell’s contract, which expires at the end of 2025, Wolff confirmed that they are close to reaching an agreement. “Yes, absolutely,” he said. “It is almost an open secret that we have every intention to keep our drivers for the long term.” However, he emphasized that discussions about terms and conditions are necessary for the best interests of both the team and the driver.
Despite not disclosing the details of their discussions with Russell, Wolff’s recent comments suggest a strong likelihood that Russell will remain with the team for the foreseeable future.
The Future of Max Verstappen and Mercedes
Speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s potential departure from Red Bull for Mercedes has intensified since the season start, following poor results from the Milton Keynes team. However, after Wolff’s recent comments, these rumors seem less valid.
