Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has quipped that he is sure George Russell will “sleep well” across the Formula 1 summer break as he edges nearer to penning a new deal.
There has been speculation concerning whether Russell will remain at Mercedes since he revealed that the team has held renewed discussions with Max Verstappen.
However, Wolff admitted prior to last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix that his priority is to retain Russell alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli in an unchanged line-up.
Verstappen is set to remain at Red Bull as he is guaranteed to be inside the top three at the annual summer shutdown, ensuring his exit clause will not become active.
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The Briton has delivered his most productive season in the sport to date, logging four podiums – including a pole position and win in Canada – in the opening 13 races.
Wolff indicated over the most recent race weekend that negotiations with Russell, who has been tied to Mercedes since 2017, could be resolved in the coming weeks.
“As a driver, he’s so mature and stable that I don’t think that makes any difference on performance,” Wolff said.
“On the contrary, I would wish to have him in a safe place a little bit earlier.
“We haven’t managed to do that, but I’m optimistic that he’s going to sleep well over the summer break.”
Mercedes door still open to Verstappen?
And according to Sky Sports F1, the two parties are reported to have agreed on a multi-year extension that will see Russell continue with Mercedes until 2027 at least.
Russell’s prospective renewal leaves the door open to a possible partnership with Verstappen should Wolff rekindle his vested interest in the Dutchman down the line.
But with the two having shared several explosive moments, Wolff has warned that the tension in such a line-up would be enough to rival Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna.
“This [Russell and Verstappen pairing] is all more in the, let’s say, long-shot, far-fetched,” Wolff added.
“Because I want to stay with Kimi and George as it stands, everything else is not realistic.
“But obviously [if] you have a Russell-Verstappen line-up that’s Prost-Senna I guess, no?”
Russell ‘triggered the media avalanche’
Meanwhile, Wolff has contended that Russell elected to publicise Mercedes’ talks with Verstappen to demonstrate that he is in the loop regarding the team’s dealings.
“I think it’s more that you guys (the media) make a lot of pressure and because it’s an interesting topic it’s completely normal,” the Austrian addressed.
“I think he’s triggered the whole media avalanche. I’m sometimes maybe naive, but I try to be transparent with the drivers, and I said to him: ‘Listen, I have the obligation of exploring what Max is going to do in the next few years.’
“And I think he just came out with it wanting to show: ‘I’m aware of what’s going on, there’s nothing happening behind my back.’ And I’m fine with that.”
READ MORE – Toto Wolff closes the door on Max Verstappen to Mercedes for F1 2026
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