George Russell had a ‘good idea’ about which Mercedes driver Toto Wolff wanted next to Max Verstappen

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Mercedes confirmed in the lead-up to the United States Grand Prix that George Russell has signed a new contract. The announcement has appeared inevitable for months.

As Russell himself revealed, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was in talks with Max Verstappen earlier this year. But shortly before the summer break, Verstappen confirmed that he would be staying with Red Bull for 2026.

There were no other compelling options on the market for Wolff and, besides, he already has one of 2025’s standout performers in Russell. The Englishman has scored two wins, two poles and eight podiums this year.

It’s extremely rare for a driver’s future to be uncertain when they’re performing at this level. But that was the position Russell was in as the spectre of an all-time great like Verstappen loomed.

George Russell suspected that Mercedes would drop him to sign Max Verstappen

While Wolff didn’t deny his interest in Verstappen – there was little point after his driver openly acknowledged it – he never indicated which driver was under threat.

According to BBC Sport, Russell didn’t know for sure whether he would have lost his seat if Mercedes had signed the world champion. But he had a ‘good idea’ that this would ‘probably’ be the case.

Russell has beaten Kimi Antonelli in all but three qualifying sessions and every single Grand Prix this year. He’s also scored almost three-quarters of Mercedes’ points.

But Wolff was leaning towards an Antonelli/Verstappen partnership given the ‘mutual antipathy’ between Russell and the Dutchman.

Mercedes believe Antonelli will be a champion and Wolff didn’t want to give up on him despite the difficulties he’s faced as a rookie. But the Italian’s potential is theoretical and Russell’s ability is proven, so the relationship dynamics were the biggest factor.

Ted Kravitz reveals new detail about the Max Verstappen and George Russell fallout

For now, this remains hypothetical. But Mercedes still want Verstappen for 2027, and it’s unclear if Russell’s contract guarantees him multiple years.

Thus, Wolff could face the same almighty dilemma once again come next year. After the relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg broke down, he may be wary of a repeat.

Russell and Verstappen were involved in one of F1’s most remarkable slanging matches at the end of last year. Russell called Verstappen a ‘bully’, while he in turn was labelled a ‘loser’ and a ‘backstabber’.

Ted Kravitz says Russell’s attack on Verstappen was premeditated. He revealed his plan before the cameras were rolling in the media pen, and while he felt it had to be done, it was a risky move that could have long-term repercussions.