George Russell has admitted that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff could have been “tighter” with the terms that have been agreed in his new Formula 1 deal with the team.
At long last, Mercedes communicated the anticipated news earlier this week that Russell will continue alongside teenage team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli into 2026.
Russell and Mercedes had been expected to extend their partnership ever since long-time Wolff target Max Verstappen repledged his commitment to Red Bull in July.
And while the German marque’s press release was limited to announcing it as next season’s line-up, it is understood Russell has earned a coveted multi-term renewal.
But despite the outcome being the predicted one, Russell has conceded that his finite leverage meant Wolff could have been less flexible in negotiations than he was.
“I’m very happy, to be honest, because given the situation and circumstances with me and the team, Toto could have been substantially tighter if he wanted to be,” Russell told media including Motorsport Week prior to the United States Grand Prix.
“But I think he really recognises that you need to reward those who are delivering, who are putting in the effort and delivering those results on track.
“That’s why I’m here with a smile on my face, because I’m very happy with the offer. And as I said, he could have been much tighter if he wanted to be.
“So, as I said, that’s the bonus. But the main goal for me is a fast race car. Like how everyone’s sprinting when you say time’s up.”
Russell insists rumours weren’t the reality during Mercedes talks
Russell, who is sustaining his greatest season to date with two victories coming among eight podiums, has reiterated that he never harboured doubts about his drive.
The Briton has asserted that the speculation that had been doing the rounds during the renewed Verstappen rumours didn’t align with the dealings behind the scenes.
Asked whether he can do more to obtain more control in future talks, Russell replied: “Yeah, driving fast, to be honest. But that’s how we’ve got to this position, I think.
“As I alluded to before, Toto’s always been incredibly good at rewarding those who he feels deserves it, and he’s always said, ‘You do the job on track and leave the rest to me.’
“And he, to this day, still has never let me down in that regard. So I’ve got to continue to put my faith in him.
“And throughout all of this speculation, the truth is all of that was coming from you guys, and it was my story, and it made exciting news and whatnot, but the reality was quite different, and that’s how the game goes.
“I’m sitting here now, very happy and excited about continuing with Mercedes, not because of the money or freedom or whatever, but because I believe this is my best chance to win.”
READ MORE – Mercedes explains delay behind announcing 2026 F1 driver line-up
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