Toto Wolff at the Zandvoort press conference

Wolff: 'Mercedes pattern' the reason Russell's still out of F1 contract

15:03, 05 Sep

Updated: 15:32, 05 Sep

byNorberto Mujica

Toto Wolff has provided an update regarding the extension of George Russell's contract at Mercedes, revealing why the German team adopts a shorter contract term approach with their drivers.

After the Dutch Grand Prix, Wolff confirmed Mercedes would continue onward with Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Russell in 2026, following a hectic period where Max Verstappen was often linked to a move to the German team.

However, the deal with both drivers is yet to be announced, although Wolff clarified that no 'big announcement' should be expected, since the decision is a 'no brainer.'

Speaking after FP1 for the Italian Grand Prix, the Austrian team owner, principal and CEO, revealed to Sky Sports why Mercedes has ever opted to give out short term deals to their drivers.

Longer term deal would not make drivers 'be quicker'

"We have not always gone for very long contracts and kept it short. The longest we have done is a two [year] with some option, so it's a Mercedes pattern."

Nevertheless, Russell's future could've been sorted last year, but not according to Wolff, who despite acknowledging the pressure Mercedes drivers are always under, a longer deal should not make them 'be quicker.'

"We were on a 1+1 [deal] and that's traditionally what we have done.

"The drivers are under tremendous pressure. If a driver said they would be quicker with a two-year contract, that mindset is not right."