Toto Wolff has explained why he traditionally prefers to hand out shorter contracts for drivers at Mercedes. This comes as the 2026 driver line-up at the team remains up in the air, with neither George Russell or Kimi Antonelli confirmed as of yet.
Critics have questioned Wolff’s methods, especially regarding Russell’s signing, as the British driver has been instrumental in development over the last few seasons. While there is speculation that an announcement is imminent, Wolff has remained tight-lipped.
Toto Wolff believes driver mentality should not change based on contract length
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, he outlined his decision to opt for shorter driver contracts, arguing that drivers should not be expected to perform better based on the length of their contract.
He said: “If a driver said they would be quicker with a two-year contract, that mindset is not right.”
As contract negotiations continue, rumours have circulated that the slow development in Russell’s contract negotiations centres around the length of the contract on offer from Mercedes. While Russell and his camp are keen to lock in a long-term future with the Silver Arrows, Wolff appears to be aiming for a shorter contract in case Max Verstappen becomes available.
Fans and pundits expected an announcement during the summer break regarding Russell’s future with the team; however, there have been no updates from the team. It is possible that an announcement could be expected in Singapore later this season, as Mercedes title sponsor PETRONAS has a significant presence in the country.
Could Max Verstappen be the reason for Wolff’s shorter contracts?
Toto Wolff has made it no secret that he is interested in signing Verstappen in the future, with Russell confirming earlier in the season that the team boss had been in talks with the reigning World Champion.
However, Verstappen has publicly committed to Red Bull for the upcoming season, and both Russell and Antonelli seem to be set to drive for Mercedes in 2026. It has been suggested that Verstappen will leave Red Bull at the end of 2026 if the team cannot recover their competitiveness, after a troubling 2025 season so far.
Wolff has previously been vocal about retaining Kimi Antonelli so as not to lose another upcoming talent, something the team boss believes Mercedes missed out on with Max Verstappen. Antonelli’s age and future prospects played a role in Lewis Hamilton’s departure with the team, with Wolff offering Hamilton a shorter contract than the 7-time World Champion had expected.
Could George Russell follow in Hamilton’s footsteps and leave Mercedes if he can’t secure the contract that he wants?
