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Toto Wolff’s Shocking Rejection: Long-Term Contracts Won’t Make Mercedes Drivers Faster!

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
September 15, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Toto Wolff’s Shocking Rejection: Long-Term Contracts Won’t Make Mercedes Drivers Faster!

Formula One F1 - Italian Grand Prix - Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy - September 7, 2025 Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff with Mercedes' George Russell and Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli before the race REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

Toto Wolff Issues Shock Statement: Long-term Contracts Won’t Make Drivers Faster!

In a bold and controversial stance that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has firmly dismissed the notion that long-term contracts can enhance a driver’s performance. As the team inches closer to finalizing contract extensions for star drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, Wolff’s remarks raise eyebrows and ignite debate among fans and insiders alike.

Wolff, known for his straightforward and no-nonsense approach, stated unequivocally that any driver believing they would perform better with the security of a multi-year deal lacks the “right” mindset. This assertion comes as Mercedes prepares to renew contracts that are expected to follow the traditional one-plus-one format, which has been a hallmark of the Brackley-based team’s strategy. Despite the ongoing negotiations, the official announcement regarding Russell and Antonelli’s extensions is still pending, creating a cloud of intrigue around the team.

The Mercedes principal has confirmed that both drivers will continue with the team, but the delay in formalizing the agreements has been a source of speculation. Adding to the drama is Wolff’s well-documented interest in securing Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, which complicates the immediate future of Russell and Antonelli. Wolff had engaged in discussions with Verstappen before the summer break, but with the Dutch driver opting to stay with Red Bull through the 2026 season, it appears that Mercedes will proceed with short-term contracts for their current pair.

Wolff defended his team’s approach, emphasizing, “We’ve always been, in the team, ones that haven’t gone for the very long term in contracts, and kept it very short.” This statement underscores a long-standing philosophy at Mercedes, where the longest contract has been a two-year deal with options. While some critics in the paddock express confusion over why Russell, a standout performer this season, has not been locked into a more extensive agreement, Wolff remains steadfast. When questioned about the delay in extending Russell’s contract, especially with Lewis Hamilton potentially moving on, he explained, “Because we were on a one-plus-one [deal], and that’s been traditionally what we’ve done.”

What’s more, Wolff’s dismissal of the idea that long-term contracts could alleviate pressure on drivers is particularly striking. “I think it makes no difference, because they are anyway under tremendous pressure,” he declared. His assertion that a driver’s performance is not contingent upon the length of their contract is set to stir discussions about the mental fortitude required in F1. “If a driver says, ‘I’d be quicker if I had a two-year contract’, then that mindset is not right,” he added, challenging the prevailing narrative that stability breeds success.

As the F1 world watches closely, the implications of Wolff’s statements could reverberate beyond Mercedes, influencing how teams approach driver contracts in the future. With the spotlight on the Italian Grand Prix and Max Verstappen’s dominant performance, the contractual dynamics at Mercedes could be pivotal in shaping the competitive landscape of Formula 1 in the coming seasons. Will Wolff’s strategy prove to be a masterstroke, or will it leave Mercedes vulnerable in their quest for supremacy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the debate over driver contracts is far from over!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-seasonAndrea Kimi Antonelligeorge-russellsgran-premio-red-bull-di-san-marino-e-della-riviera-di-riminijamarr-chases-mercedes-maybachToto Wolff
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