Mercedes has yet to sign drivers for 2026; both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are still awaiting contract extensions. Earlier this year, Max Verstappen seemed poised to make the switch to the Silberpfeile, but Mercedes now appears to be sticking with its current line-up. However, the final decision is still pending. Former champion Nico Rosberg, who raced for the team from 2010 to 2016, knows all about the ‘terrible’ contract negotiations with team principal Toto Wolff.
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are on the verge of extending their expiring contracts with Mercedes. Reportedly, the German racing team wants to offer both a one-year collaboration, in case Verstappen decides to join. Nico Rosberg knows better than anyone how complicated contract negotiations with Mercedes can be. He recalls the unique tactics of Toto Wolff.
‘I suffered a lot’
“Negotiating with Toto (Wolff) is terrible,” Rosberg said in a podcast for Sky Sports. “He just disappears off the face of the earth when you want to discuss better clauses. Then you can’t get hold of him and you simply can’t talk to him. That’s awful. I suffered a lot.” In 2016, the German driver took matters into his own hands; after winning the world title in Abu Dhabi, he announced his retirement, leaving Wolff scrambling to find a replacement.”
According to Rosberg, George Russell, who will be entering his fifth year with Mercedes in 2026, will likely have significant demands for a new contract. “George is probably dissatisfied with some of the terms,” he speculated. “He is, after all, a Mercedes junior, but earns significantly less than, for example, Lando Norris. However, George considers himself equal to Lando. I also believe that he – given the right car – can win championships. Therefore, he probably finds it unfair that his salary does not reflect this.” It is possible that Wolff and Russell will provide more clarity during the upcoming race weekend in Baku.
