Toto Wolff has moved to reassure George Russell that his expiring Mercedes contract is not a cause for concern.
Russell has been Mercedes' standout performer in 2025, currently sitting fourth in the standings behind only Max Verstappen and the dominant McLaren duo. Yet despite his consistency, the 27-year-old is still without a confirmed seat for next season.
That lingering uncertainty has only fuelled speculation that Wolff is keeping the door wide open should Verstappen become available. The situation mirrors last season, when Mercedes delayed signing Kimi Antonelli – Lewis Hamilton's successor – until September at Monza.
Asked in Monaco whether Russell would have to wait that long, Wolff was emphatic: "No," he said.
"Definitely not that long. George and I are totally clear on how this is going to go, and 100 percent in alignment. There is no such thing as dragging this out because that's not what we do."
Still, the delay is raising eyebrows, especially with Verstappen's future at Red Bull the subject of ongoing speculation. Dutch racing analyst Tom Coronel believes the timelines are connected.
"I think the other parties are just waiting it out," Coronel told Viaplay.
"Max has spoken to Toto Wolff, we know that. Options are being created and at a certain moment Max has to choose. I think that moment comes after Monaco."
