Toto Wolff confirms 'very clear' George Russell message after Max Verstappen talks

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that George Russell was delivered a "very clear" message that he "had to talk" to Max Verstappen over a possible move. 

Russell suggested at the Austrian Grand Prix that Mercedes' talks with the Dutchman had slowed his own contract conversations, intensifying rumours tying Verstappen to the Silver Arrows. 

Wolff revealed to media that there had been communication with the four-time F1 champion over a potential switch; however, Verstappen committed his future to Red Bull in Hungary. 

As a result, Russell and Kimi Antonelli are expected to be handed contract extensions, as alluded to by the Briton, who claimed an announcement was a matter of "when, not if". 

Now, Wolff has insisted Russell's new contract will be announced shortly, but that he had to take the opportunity to speak to Verstappen before he confirmed his Red Bull 2026 loyalty.

Asked by Gazzetta dello Sport if news on Russell's contract extension is on the horizon, Wolff said: "Yes. I’ve always said that I’m happy with my team, with Russell and Kimi Antonelli, but suddenly Max’s future became uncertain, so we also talked to him.

"But I was always very clear with George: 90% of the time, he would have stayed with us, but I had to talk to Verstappen as well. Now the situation is clear and everything can return to normal."

Russell managing Hamilton leadership role

Russell has enjoyed an excellent campaign so far, jostling with Verstappen for third in the F1 drivers' title. 

He is leading Mercedes' fight for second in the standings, although the Brackley-based outfit currently finds itself 24 points adrift of Ferrari. 

The 27-year-old has comfortably taken on the Mercedes leadership baton from Lewis Hamilton, following the seven-time world champion's move to Maranello. 

Wolff has been impressed by Russell's development and how he has picked up from where Hamilton left off.

"Last year, it was already clear how mature he had become, but of course, he was always in the shadow of a champion like Hamilton," he said.

"When Lewis left, he naturally took on a leadership role and delivered performances that even exceeded the car’s potential."