George Russell has recognised that “nothing is certain” regarding his future at Mercedes amid a report linking him with a potential move to Aston Martin in Formula 1.
Russell’s existing deal will expire once the current campaign concludes, though Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is adamant that discussions over a renewal will take place.
However, Wolff’s perennial interest in Max Verstappen has prompted suggestions that he would be prepared to make a move should the Dutchman become available.
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull until 2028 contains exit clauses and rumours have persisted that a decline in competitiveness could entice him to look elsewhere.
But while Wolff has voiced his commitment to the side’s current line-up, Russell has acknowledged there are no assurances that his time with Mercedes will continue.
“No, it’s not safe,” Russell told Motorsport Total. “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.
“You just have to make sure that you keep performing consistently, keep delivering. And what happens then – only time will tell.”
Aston Martin emerges in race to sign Russell
Russell is believed to have held tentative conversations with Red Bull boss Christian Horner as both parties weigh up their respective options past the current season.
But the Times have alleged that Aston Martin is another suitor that could be in contention to sign Russell in the circumstance where he doesn’t extend with Mercedes.
Aston Martin languishes in a distant ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship nine races into 2025, but the team has been backed to thrive under F1’s new rules.
The Silverstone-based squad has invested massive sums towards expanding and modernising its facilities, supplementing that with some headline technical recruits.
The most notable addition has been design guru Adrian Newey, who’s been entrusted to lead Aston Martin’s work on the revised technical regulations coming in 2026.
Aston Martin’s reputed interest in Russell succeeds a report that the British marque would be willing to table an extortionate £226 million proposal to lure Verstappen.
However, Aston Martin has insisted that the team remains committed to Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, with both drivers having contracts that cover next season.
“It’s normal for the media to speculate on driver market, but we have an amazing driver line-up that we are committed to and who are under contract for 2026 and beyond,” Aston Martin stated.
“Our focus is on delivering for our drivers by giving them a more consistent and competitive car. When we do, they are both capable of delivering great results.”
READ MORE – How Adrian Newey-led 2026 Aston Martin car will dictate Fernando Alonso’s F1 future
I wish Cadillac would choose George – the best driver out of contract at the end of this year. Alternatively, Yuki Tsunoda is probably available, fast, experienced, knows what a good car feels like, what a good engine feels like, how to lead a team.