P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell is out of contract with Mercedes at the end of the season, with a new deal yet to be formally announced.
Nico Rosberg stated that George Russell is using a similar strategy as Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff does in contract negotiations, calling it “fighting Toto with his own medicine.”
Russell’s contract with Mercedes is set to expire at the end of the current season, and talks for a new deal have been ongoing for most of the year.
Wolff confirmed Russell will stay for 2026, but an official announcement is still pending as they finalize the details.
Rosberg, who negotiated deals with Wolff in the past, explained Russell’s push for better terms, citing issues like salary differences with other drivers and sponsor obligations.
Russell, a Mercedes junior driver, believes he deserves a higher salary comparable to drivers like Lando Norris, as well as less demanding sponsor commitments, which he feels can be excessive at times.
