Nico Rosberg has commented on the ongoing negotiations surrounding George Russell‘s contract with Mercedes, describing the process as particularly challenging due to the involvement of team principal Toto Wolff. Rosberg highlighted how difficult it can be to reach an agreement, especially when Wolff becomes unresponsive during discussions. The focus keyword, George Russell Mercedes contract negotiation, reflects the central issue troubling the Mercedes camp as Russell’s contract remains unsigned for the upcoming seasons.
Rosberg Details Challenges in Negotiating with Toto Wolff
<pSpeaking on a Sky Sports F1 episode, the 2016 Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg shared his experience dealing with Toto Wolff in contract talks. Rosberg explained how Wolff’s negotiating style often complicates the process, making it frustrating for those involved. He expressed that it was "horrible" trying to negotiate directly with Wolff, who tends to disappear and avoid discussions when contract improvements are in question.
“It’s horrible to negotiate with Toto, and he just disappears off planet earth when you’re trying to get better terms. He just disappears and just doesn’t even let you talk with him. It’s horrible. I suffered a lot.”
—Nico Rosberg, 2016 F1 Champion
Rosberg also pointed out that George Russell is now experiencing a similar struggle, taking a firm stance in response to Wolff’s typical negotiating approach. Despite being a Mercedes junior driver, Russell allegedly feels that his contract terms, including salary, do not reflect his value, especially compared to peers such as Lando Norris.
“But now, it’s George doing the kind of reverse to Toto. It’s like he’s fighting Toto with his own medicine. George apparently is just not happy with a couple of terms in the contract. George is a Mercedes junior, so certainly he won’t be on a Lando Norris level salary, by far and away not, and George feels Lando is equal to him.”
—Nico Rosberg, 2016 F1 Champion
To date, Russell has not signed an extension for the 2026 season, although Wolff has indicated that the British driver will continue with Mercedes. Discussions reportedly hinge on some contractual specifics, rather than complete disagreements, with the team working to finalize the deal before the 2025 campaign intensifies.
Toto Wolff Addresses the Status of Russell’s Contract Talks
During the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Toto Wolff responded to questions about George Russell’s contract negotiations. The Mercedes team principal was asked whether financial terms were causing the delay in reaching an agreement. Wolff hinted that money was not the main obstacle and clarified that his proposed deal would likely include a one-year term plus an option for an additional year.
When asked about the duration of the contract on offer, Wolff conveyed reservations about longer deals and emphasized the pressure drivers face regardless of contract length. He suggested that drivers feeling they would perform better with longer contracts might have the wrong mindset under intense competition.
“I think it makes no difference because they are anyway under tremendous pressure. If a driver says, I’d be quicker if I would have a two-year contract, then anyway that mindset is not right.”
—Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal
Wolff’s approach to contract length reflects his general management style, which favors shorter agreements to maintain performance focus and flexibility. This strategy has contributed to Mercedes’ competitiveness throughout recent seasons, even as drivers seek stability in their careers.
Uncertainty Continues Over Russell’s Future at Mercedes
With negotiations still underway, it remains uncertain whether George Russell will sign a contract extension or consider opportunities beyond Mercedes. The outcome will significantly influence both Russell’s career trajectory and Mercedes’ driver lineup moving forward. As the 2025 season approaches its critical stages, the resolution of this contract will be closely watched by fans and insiders alike, highlighting the intricate balance between talent management and team strategy in Formula 1.
