Toto Wolff labels George Russell an 'a**hole' in Mercedes F1 contract saga

mercedes, george russell, toto wolff — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Toto Wolff labels George Russell an 'a**hole' in Mercedes contract saga

Mercedes are yet to officially confirm their 2026 driver lineup

Kerry Violet F1 News Editor

F1 editor and journalist covering motorsport since 2024.

Sunday 14 September 2025 19:53 Updated: 22:59

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff is yet to officially hand George Russell a contract for 2026 and beyond.

In fact, despite stating his intentions to retain both Russell and his rookie team-mate Kimi Antonelli, the Austrian hasn't officially confirmed either of his drivers for next season.

There have been growing rumours however that it is in fact the British driver who is keeping his team waiting, but where Antonelli is concerned, his future appears to be at risk after a disappointing run of races following the summer break.

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At last month's Dutch GP, Russell hardly portrayed the manner of someone whose seat was at risk, claiming that he wasn't worried 'at all' about his future.

The 27-year-old then declared to media: "It was more of a question of who my team-mate was going to be."

Wolff snaps back after confident Russell claim

When informed of Russell's self-assured statement by Motorsport-Total.com, Wolff jokingly responded: "Did he really say that? He's a right a**hole!"

Though it appears that Russell and Wolff are simply ironing out the details of his contract, the British racer should perhaps take into consideration the very real possibility that he could be replaced by Max Verstappen as early as 2027.

The reigning champion has committed himself to Red Bull for 2026 and despite being contracted until the end of 2028, the Dutchman was confirmed to have been in talks with Mercedes earlier this year.

Wolff made no effort to hide his attempts to sign Verstappen, and whilst Russell may feel the Mercedes boss has to pick between the four-time champion or the Italian teenager, his own rivalry with Verstappen could prove an utter headache for Wolff.

Even when Russell does sign on the dotted line of his new contract, it may only be for one year, with Wolff clearly eager to keep his options open should Verstappen become available.

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