Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that George Russell’s victory at the 2025 F1 Canadian GP will not hasten the timing of his contract renewal. Although the win marked a significant achievement for both Russell and Mercedes, Wolff emphasised that the team already recognises the driver’s talent and value.
Russell’s secures impressive win in Montreal
Russell delivered an outstanding performance in Montreal. After securing pole position on Saturday, he converted it into his first win of the 2025 season and Mercedes’ maiden victory. Moreover, his team mate Kimi Antonelli contributed to the success by taking a maiden podium in third place. As a result, Mercedes celebrated a highly successful weekend at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
Contract talks continue despite encouraging results
Despite the encouraging result, Wolff explained that contract negotiations with Russell will proceed according to an agreed timeline, rather than being influenced by individual race outcomes. He reflected on Russell’s development since joining Mercedes from Williams in 2022:
“He has been so long with us and he has grown – the steps he has made from that young driver in Williams, then coming to Mercedes at a difficult time, being on par with Lewis [Hamilton], and then since Lewis left being clearly the senior driver in the team, and it comes natural.”
Furthermore, Wolff added: “It is not like there is some politics. He has just taken the place that he merits and deserves. The ambience in the team is great, and we have agreed on some kind of timeline when we want to settle these things. With triple headers getting out of the way in one race after the other now in June and July… but we are going to get there.”
“He has been a Mercedes junior in the same way that Kimi was since he was 16, so it is not dependent on whether he wins a race, whether he performs, because we know he can.”
Russell and Verstappen rivalry remains professional
According to Wolff, Russell’s recent clashes with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has also had no effect on Russell’s future at Mercedes. The rivalry between Russell and Verstappen attracted considerable attention in the lead-up to the 2025 F1 Canadian GP. The pair had collided controversially in Spain just one race before, which led many to speculate about added motivation for Montreal.
Nevertheless, Wolff downplayed any personal animosity, emphasising the drivers’ long history of competitive but respectful interaction. He said: “These two guys have sat in go-karts and racing cars for more than 10 years, and have fought each other and have known each other off the track as well.”
“I think they are very civilised when they see each other. It is just on track, it is a fierce battle, different characters, different personalities. I do not think that is particularly different going into the first corner, whether there is Max aside or George aside, they just want to come out ahead.”
Wolff’s comments highlight that while the battle on track remains intense, mutual respect endures off it.
Looking ahead
As the 2025 season progresses, Mercedes intends to focus on maintaining consistent performance and technical development. Meanwhile, contract discussions with key figures such as Russell will continue carefully and deliberately behind the scenes.
Mercedes’ priority remains clear: build on strong performances while ensuring stability within the team for the challenges ahead.
