Toto Wolff just proved how much he values George Russell with his 2026 Mercedes contract

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George Russell’s future at Mercedes has been one of the main talking points of the 2025 Formula 1 season as he fought for a new contract.

Based on his 2025 season, many would find it hard to justify why he should not be given an extension, given that he is guaranteed to finish P4, his best result in F1 to date. Of course, Mercedes did give Russell a new multi-year deal, but not before speaking to Max Verstappen.

Toto Wolff is a known admirer of the Dutchman and has made it clear that he wants to see the four-time champion in his car. After failing to sign him in 2024, he reignited his interest in 2025 as Verstappen expressed dissatisfaction with Red Bull’s development.

These discussions delayed the extension of Wolff’s current drivers, who were left in the dark for months over their futures. In fact, Wolff broke his promise to Russell, in that he would not wait until Monza to give him a new contract – it eventually came after the Singapore Grand Prix.

Kimi Antonelli was also retained for 2026 as Verstappen committed his future to Red Bull. Russell was not pleased by the delay in negotiations, especially given his public feud with the Dutchman in 2024, but in the end, Wolff has shown the Brit exactly how much he values him at Mercedes.

Toto Wolff has proved he values George Russell highly with ‘very generous’ pay rise in 2026 Mercedes contract

Speaking on Sky Sports F1 during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, Russell told Ted Kravitz that he has received a pay rise in his Mercedes contract for 2026.

When asked if Wolff had given him more money, he replied: “He is. He is. He was very generous to be honest. I mean, he’s doing alright himself to be fair, so he can afford to dish out a little bit.

“He always looks after the ones who he believes deserves it. And he does that not only with his drivers, but with everybody within the team. You know, those who show that they deserve it, they’re rewarded.”

It has been reported that Russell is now earning more than Lando Norris, after signing a £30m-a-year deal. He wanted to be on equal terms with the McLaren star; the fact that Wolff has fulfilled his request shows just how highly the boss rates his driver.

He may have fallen back on his word in terms of the length of negotiations, but he has delivered on Russell’s demands. Wolff wants Mercedes to win the title again, and he has given the Brit the confidence he needs to push on with the Silver Arrows.

READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height

George Russell has a great chance to win the 2026 F1 title, but could he leave Mercedes next year?

The 2026 season could be a good year for Russell and Mercedes, with the team being tipped to have the fastest power unit under the new technical regulations. In theory, the 27-year-old has the tools he needs to become champion, but that will not be certain until the car hits the track.

Nevertheless, Damon Hill is backing Russell for the title in 2026 under the engine rules. His car could lead him to glory, but while he has a contract for next season, that machine could be the last Mercedes he drives in F1.

Karun Chandhok fears that Russell could lose his seat even if he wins the title, as Mercedes will not give up their interest in Verstappen. The Dutchman is waiting to see where Red Bull sits in 2026 before making a decision on his long-term future.

According to rumours in the paddock, that move could be possible. Reports say Russell has an exit clause in his contract, with Mercedes not publicly stating whether the deal lasts longer than 2026.

This ambiguity could potentially leave Russell in the dark, as Mercedes will certainly not think twice about signing Verstappen if he is available. While he is enjoying a substantial pay rise in 2026, his long-term future is currently unknown.