Nico Rosberg is confident that George Russell will soon finalize a fresh contract with Mercedes, despite Toto Wolff’s challenging negotiating style. Russell’s future at the Brackley outfit has been a topic of discussion for some time, with his current agreement set to expire at the conclusion of the 2025 F1 season.
With just a few months remaining, Russell is yet to secure a new deal. Speculation suggested that Mercedes was in talks with Max Verstappen, potentially impacting Russell’s contract discussions. However, Verstappen’s decision to remain with Red Bull until 2026, following Christian Horner’s departure, has provided Russell with a positive outlook.
Recent reports indicate that Russell is on the brink of signing a multi-year contract extension with Mercedes, potentially lasting until the end of the 2027 season, partnering with young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Former Mercedes driver Rosberg, now a Sky Sports F1 pundit, shares the belief that Russell’s contract situation will soon be resolved. Rosberg also recounted his own challenging negotiations with Wolff during his time at Mercedes, highlighting Wolff’s elusive tactics during contract talks.
Wolff has affirmed his commitment to both Russell and Antonelli for the 2026 season, but the possibility of Russell partnering with Verstappen in the future remains open. Despite previous conflicts between the two drivers, Mercedes now sees Russell as their primary driver, acknowledging his exceptional performance this season, including a victory at the Canadian Grand Prix and a clear lead in points over Antonelli.
When questioned about the contract delay affecting Russell’s performance, Wolff expressed confidence in Russell’s maturity and stability as a driver. He expressed optimism that the contract situation would be resolved before the summer break, allowing Russell to focus on racing.
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