Ralf Schumacher Exposes “Tension” Between George Russell and Toto Wolff over Max Verstappen interest
Ralf Schumacher predicted that the Max Verstappen factor was causing tensions between George Russell and Toto Wolff at Mercedes.
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Max Verstappen (via Red Bull), George Russell (via Getty), Toto Wolff (via IMAGO)
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Mercedes has yet to confirm either of their current drivers’ contract confirmation for the 2026 season and beyond. George Russell is performing great this season and has picked up two coveted race wins amid McLaren’s dominance.
However, Toto Wolff and Co. still haven’t confirmed Russell’s extension with the German carmaker. Now, ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher predicts that Max Verstappen is likely behind these tensions at Brackley.
George Russell had recently provided a long-awaited update on his Mercedes contract, claiming that it would soon be confirmed. However, Toto Wolff‘s deep interest in acquiring Max Verstappen was likely the reason behind such intense delays in Russell’s extension. Verstappen clearly denied the possibility of joining Brackley, which definitely would’ve hurt Wolff.
Ralf Schumacher predicted that George Russell likely did not want to work alongside Toto Wolff at Mercedes anymore and have him as his advisor. Schumacher raised concerns over the fact that Russell suffered from some sour feelings when Brackley talked about the possibility of acquiring Max Verstappen. The German reckoned that the Silver Arrow was pushed to the side, which he definitely didn’t like.
Ralf Schumacher accepted that George Russell’s feelings were valid, more so because he is performing great in the 2025 season despite some expected ups and downs. The German claimed that there were definitely tensions between Toto Wolff and Russell. Under these conditions, the tensions between the two are likely to reach their pinnacle, and anything can happen following the 2025 season’s completion.
Rumour has it that Russell no longer wants Toto or, in any form, Toto as an advisor, I believe, as a driver, he suffered a bit during the time they publicly flirted with Max Verstappen and pushed him a bit to the side. That’s the feeling you get. So, I believe there was tension, and I think especially under these conditions.
Ralf Schumacher said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.
Ralf Schumacher claims George Russell ‘not in a good mood’
Toto Wolff had recently raised surety over Kimi Antonelli and his contract extension with Mercedes amid the rumors of the rookie looking to join other teams. However, Wolff hasn’t spoken so openly and confidently about George Russell’s extension. As such, Ralf Schumacher predicts that the Briton definitely isn’t in a good mood, especially because of the entire fiasco.
Ralf Schumacher recalled that Toto Wolff cancelled an interview appointment with the former following George Russell’s pole position at the Singapore GP. Schumacher reckoned that there was definitely some Russell factor behind this cancelled meet because Wolff confirmed that both drivers would continue with Mercedes. Ultimately, the German believes that the 27-year-old isn’t in a good mood and needs an answer fast.
You remember, Toto Wolff had cancelled an interview appointment with us at short notice after the qualifying, I almost suspect that this was ultimately the reason, because on Sunday he admitted to us that both drivers are definitely with Mercedes. So, not that they were still negotiating on that Saturday, because somehow, George Russell was not in a good mood.
Ralf Schumacher noted.
Mercedes has performed great in the 2025 season despite the entire problematic situation with their drivers’ lineup. Both drivers have enabled Brackley to achieve the runner-up spot in the constructors’ championship and are likely to build on the lead further. Regardless, the team is yet to confirm the lineup for the coming season, and George Russell will definitely get impatient sooner or later and want a final decision from the leaders involved.
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