Mercedes driver George Russell revealed that he was unable to secure a key personal request during his recent contract negotiations, which extended late into October 2025. While his future was uncertain for some time and speculation swirled around Toto Wolff’s interest in Max Verstappen, Russell eventually committed to Mercedes but did not obtain everything he sought, including a unique opportunity related to Formula 1 cars.
Cost Cap Restrictions Limit Drivers’ Access to F1 Cars
Russell explained that the current F1 cost cap restricts teams from producing enough monocoques, the main chassis of a race car, to allow drivers to take one home. He pointed out that in the past, teams manufactured many more chassis annually, enabling drivers to maintain personal collections.
“I would love to collect my own Formula 1 cars,”
Russell stated.
“But because of the cost cap, we only produce three or four monocoques per year. Twenty years ago, when unlimited testing was still allowed, each team built 15 to 20 chassis. These were then rotated regularly.”
“I tried to get a Formula 1 car during my last contract negotiations. But unfortunately, I wasn’t successful,”
he added.
Hopes for Future Solutions to Monocoque Production Limits
Despite this setback, Russell expressed optimism that teams might find a way to manufacture monocoques outside of the current budget cap, highlighting that many other components are produced in surplus. He suggested discussing the matter with the FIA to explore potential changes.
“I would like to see the teams find a way to produce monocoques outside of the budget cap. We have enough of the other parts.”
“Each driver has five engines per year. I think Mercedes produces a total of 60 engines for each season. We also have plenty of rear wings – for high, medium, and low downforce. There are also enough front wings and underbodies. We have at least ten sets of all the other parts. But there are only three or four monocoques. Maybe I should talk to the FIA about that.”
Implications of Russell’s Contract Negotiations and Future Opportunities
Russell’s revelations underscore the impact of Formula 1’s budget restrictions on drivers’ personal ambitions beyond racing performance. His candid reflections could prompt discussions about whether the cost cap’s limitations on chassis production can be adjusted. These changes might eventually allow drivers to retain cars as personal trophies, preserving part of F1 history and culture.
As Mercedes and other teams navigate evolving budget rules, attention will likely remain on how contract negotiations and regulations like the cost cap affect drivers not only on track but in their wider relationship with the sport.
