Nico Rosberg Warns Toto Wolff Could Disappear During George Russell Contract Talks

Nico Rosberg has described Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff as "horrible to negotiate with," recalling how Wolff would often disappear during contract talks, a tactic that George Russell is currently experiencing amid his ongoing contract uncertainty. Russell, whose contract expires at the end of 2025, has yet to receive a new deal despite strong performances, with negotiations reportedly complicated by earlier speculation that Wolff sought to sign Max Verstappen from Red Bull. Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull for 2026 has seemingly cleared the way for Russell's extension, though no formal contract has been presented yet. Russell himself remains focused on performance and cautious about public statements from the team, emphasizing that negotiations require detailed discussion and mutual agreement. Rosberg's insights stem from his own experiences negotiating with Wolff during his Mercedes tenure, highlighting the challenging nature of such dealings. The Mercedes team is expected to clarify driver lineups after the summer break, potentially announcing Russell's contract status following the Hungarian Grand Prix.