Totowolf, the principal of the Mercedes group, says George Russell holds good playing cards as his speak on contract extension progresses.
Russell was out of contract on the finish of the season and faces a stage of uncertainty on account of Mercedes’ curiosity in Max Verstappen this yr. He has admitted forward of the Hungarian Grand Prix, saying it was “the least assured” for the previous six months. After that there’s Verstappen I dedicated to Purple Bull in 2026talks over Russell’s new contract are understood to be in a optimistic path, and Wolf says the 27-year-old efficiency put him in a powerful place.
“George has been delivering since 2018 so he is all the time had good playing cards,” Wolf mentioned. “There was no season when he wasn’t there and nothing modified in our pondering subsequent yr.
“Relating to contracts, let’s have a look. I am going to come out and say what semester he proposed, however he is positively robust in his place on the group. He is proven it once more (in Hungary) and there isn’t any purpose to plan with George in the long term.”
Teammate Kimi Antoneri hasn’t but confirmed his future, so Wolf has stopped placing a timeline on the announcement.
“Effectively, if that is humorous information, I should not reply your query! I do not know,” he mentioned. “We select good moments, like some funky Grand Prix with plenty of followers.
Antonelli scored the primary factors of the European season in Hungary after ending tenth, and Wolf says that returning to the previous suspension answer will assist rookie confidence.
“Automobiles usually give him extra suggestions,” he mentioned. “He mentioned the weekend was a change from the primary session. Qualifying did not go nicely, however that occurs to youthful drivers.
“Dangling him there for the survival of the tire (within the race) was one other a part of the event he wanted to undergo. He scored factors, he defended Hajar (isack) and I am pleased with it.
