F1 | Nico Rosberg explains why George Russell has not yet renewed his contract with Mercedes. Nico Rosberg has revealed the reasons why George Russell has not yet renewed his Mercedes Formula 1 contract.

Rosberg returns to the topic of Russell’s renewal with Mercedes

The renewal of George Russell’s contract with Mercedes for the 2026 Formula 1 season is still not official, and according to Nico Rosberg, the main obstacle seems to be linked to salary negotiations and sponsor obligations. Despite Toto Wolff’s reassurances that the team intends to continue with Russell alongside rookie Kimi Antonelli, the details of the British driver’s deal remain unresolved, fueling speculation about his long-term future with the Silver Arrows.

The situation has been made more complex by the wider context. Mercedes had explored the possibility of signing Max Verstappen as a reinforcement before the Dutchman once again confirmed his loyalty to Red Bull Racing. Now, with Lewis Hamilton having joined Ferrari, Russell feels he has become the natural leader of the Brackley-based team and is pushing for contractual terms that better reflect his status on the Formula 1 grid.

Rosberg reveals the behind-the-scenes issues in Russell’s negotiations

Speaking to Sky F1, Nico Rosberg described the tough negotiations between George Russell and Toto Wolff. He said: “It’s horrible to negotiate with Toto, he simply disappears and doesn’t even let you speak. I suffered a lot in the past. But now it’s George who is fighting Toto with his own medicine. He’s simply not happy with certain terms of the contract.”

According to the 2016 Formula 1 World Champion, the financial gap compared to Lando Norris is playing a key role in the talks. Rosberg pointed out: “George will never reach Norris’s salary level, but he feels he is on the same level as him. With the right car, he can win races and even championships, and that’s why he thinks it’s unfair to be earning so much less.”

Another major sticking point concerns commitments to sponsors, which are becoming increasingly demanding for drivers in top teams. Rosberg explained: “It can reach up to 60 days per year, which can actually become 80 if they are split into half days. That’s a lot, especially when what you want is to go to the Nürburgring to race in GT3. George is trying to reduce that workload.”

Commentator David Croft also underlined how different Russell feels compared to when he last signed a contract with Mercedes. Croft said: “George is a stronger and more mature driver now, he’s leading the team after Lewis left, and he wants that role to be recognised in his contract.”

Russell’s future with Mercedes heading into 2026

At the moment, despite the delays, the general feeling is that Mercedes will eventually confirm George Russell alongside Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 Formula 1 season. However, the ongoing negotiations highlight just how determined the British driver is to establish himself as the clear leader of the team, not only on the track but also off it. He is pushing for a contract that reflects his true value, both in terms of salary and the responsibilities he now carries within Mercedes.