Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Considers Axing George Russell for Eight-Time F1 Grand Prix Winner 3j6q3q

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff could reportedly deny George Russell a contract extension to make room for eight-time Formula One Grand Prix winner Charles Leclerc. 

Since Lewis Hamilton’s departure, Russell has emerged as the leading driver at Mercedes. Of Mercedes’ 159 points, Russell alone has secured 111, comfortably outscoring his rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

However, despite Russell’s strong form, he is out of contract at the end of the season. The driver and team are actively negotiating, but there has not been a breakthrough so far. The English pilot reportedly wants a mega two-year contract worth £46 million, which Wolff has yet to green light.

Mercedes Could Axe George Russell for Ferrari Star Charles Leclerc 4u2p36

Over the last few months, Mercedes, one of the most popular teams on the grid, has been heavily linked with a move for four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver, however, is set to stay with Red Bull in 2026, but he could look for a new team in 2027.

Verstappen, however, is not the only driver Mercedes are interested in. As per Corriere della Sera (via F1 Oversteer), Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is also a huge fan of Ferrari poster boy Charles Leclerc. And there is a possibility that the Monagasque could consider his future at the end of the 2025 season.

George Russell has said there are no certainties about his Mercedes future.

"No, it’s not safe. Nothing is certain."

"But if I stay with Mercedes, next year will be my fifth year with the team. Nobody knows when their time will come." pic.twitter.com/tzKgMiNnNd

— Mercedes Hub (@MercedesF1_Hub) June 11, 2025

The 27-year-old is contractually tied to Ferrari until 2029. However, according to someone in his entourage, he may not stay in Maranello for as long. There is a release clause in his Ferrari contract, which he could activate at the end of 2025.

So, if an opportunity presents itself, Mercedes, led by Wolff, will not hesitate to dismiss Russell for Leclerc.

Charles Leclerc Losing Confidence in Ferrari 4c4q49

Charles Leclerc is not sure Ferrari will be able to deliver a championship-winning car after the regulations overhaul in 2026. Mercedes, meanwhile, reportedly will have the strongest power unit on the grid next year. Leclerc, who fears being stuck in an uncompetitive Ferrari, could thus be open to taking a meeting with Mercedes.

There has been talk that Oscar Piastri’s dominant run in McLaren has influenced Leclerc’s change of heart. The Aussie, who shares an intra-team rivalry with Lando Norris, has won seven Grands Prix since 2023. Leclerc, who has been in F1 since 2019, just has one more Grand Prix win under his belt.

🚨 | According to Corriere della Sera, the crisis at Ferrari is deepening

Leclerc’s trust in Ferrari appears to be shaken. He is said to be considering other teams for the post-2026 era.

Hamilton feels he isn’t receiving enough from the team. Expectations beyond… pic.twitter.com/T2y7yD575G

— La Gazzetta Ferrari (@GazzettaFerrari) June 12, 2025

Since becoming the second-youngest driver to pilot for Ferrari in 2019, Leclerc has been on the podium 46 times. His most recent one came at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on Sunday, June 1.