George Russell has stated he is “loyal” to Mercedes, after speculation has pointed the Briton towards a potential Formula 1 switch to Aston Martin.
Russell took his first F1 win of the season in the Canadian Grand Prix, converting his pole position in dominant style, holding off the threat of Max Verstappen.
It cemented a moment in Russell’s career as the victory is essentially the first in which he has been a de facto team leader, having been partnered with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli since the start of the campaign.
However, Russell’s contract with the German marque is up for renewal and many rumours have floated about, including its potential interest in signing up Verstappen should he opt to quit Red Bull.
And with Russell now also appearing on Aston’s radar, it seems that nothing is off the table, but it is also known that Mercedes will be negotiating with him for a potential extension.
Whilst saying “nothing is certain” about his future last week, Russell, when asked if his performance might have helped his side of the negotiations going forward, was clear about his own worth as a driver.
“It doesn’t hurt! It doesn’t hurt at all,” he told media including Motorsport Week. “But, you know, as I’ve said many times, I’m not concerned at all about next year. I know I’m going to be on the grid next year.
“I feel that I’m driving better than ever. I still feel I’ve got more in the tank. I feel ready to fight for a World Championship, and I think results like today, results like Bahrain this year when we got half a chance of a good result, we’re there to take it.
“And I’m pretty relaxed. Just enjoying the moment, enjoying my racing, and just taking it week by week.”
‘Why wouldn’t teams be interested in Max?’ Russell realistic amid Verstappen interest
Rumours of Mercedes’ tabs being kept on Verstappen date back to last season, with many whispers about his and father Jos’ unhappiness with situations within Red Bull.
Russell affirmed his commitment and wish to remain where he is, confirming that he had not entered into negotiation with any other team, but was frank in his understanding about its potential talks with Verstappen.
“No. I’m not talking with anybody else and any teams who have shown interest,” he said. “I have been quite open to say my intentions are to stay with Mercedes. That’s always been clear. And I am loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this chance to get into Formula 1.
“There haven’t been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, especially around Max. Because, like I said on numerous times, why wouldn’t teams be interested in Max?
“If every driver had no contracts for next year, Max would be number one for every single team. And that’s understandable. But ultimately, there are two seats for every race team.
“I knew if I continue to perform as I’m doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever. So, I feel in a good place.
“We’re in no rush to do contract negotiations. We want to win together. Especially Kimi and I being team-mates now – we’re getting a result like today, both junior drivers from Mercedes, we’re both doing the job in terms of performance. Why would you want to change something that’s working?”
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