George Russell says there have been no Mercedes contract talks yet as the focus remains firmly on improving the team’s on-track performance in Formula 1.
The British driver’s current contract expires at the end of this season, potentially making him a free agent if new terms aren’t agreed upon.
However, given his strong form – Russell currently lies fourth in the Drivers’ Championship – it is difficult to imagine him without a seat for 2026.
The main threat to Russell’s seat at Mercedes comes from the reigning World Champion Max Verstappen, and whatever decision he makes about his future in F1.
Although Verstappen is currently signed with Red Bull until the end of 2028, continued struggles with the team could prompt him to explore other options on the grid.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has openly expressed his admiration for Verstappen, having missed out on securing the star driver twice before.
Despite this, Russell remains unconcerned about his contract situation, confident he will continue to compete in the sport, especially with the Brackley-based squad.
His focus is firmly on refining the W16 and narrowing the gap to McLaren at the front of the field.
“No real conversations, to be honest, because we’ve got bigger fish to fry at the moment, which is making our car go faster, he told media including Motorsport Week.
“I know I’m going to be in Formula 1 next year.
“My intention and goal is to stay with Mercedes and I think that’s very much the intention of Toto as well, to be honest. There’s no real reason for either of us to deviate.”
Russell unfazed by Verstappen speculation
When asked about the ongoing speculation surrounding Verstappen and his potential impact on Mercedes’ driver line-up, Russell remained unfazed.
“It’s understandable the likes of Max have always been on the radar because why wouldn’t it be on the radar?” he expanded.
“He’s one of the GOATs and I get that, but then it’s down to you to prove your worth and I feel I’ve done that time and time again over the course of seven years in F1 and my whole career, so I’ve got no concerns.”
The 27-year-old previously stated that the rumours were not disrespectful to him and that he would welcome the Dutchman as a team-mate.
He emphasised this by suggesting that Verstappen could replace most drivers on the grid – except himself – indicating that Kimi Antonelli would be the one to make way at Mercedes.
However, the pair share a complex and often contentious history that has simmered over the past few seasons.
The rivalry first flared during the 2023 Baku Sprint, but tensions truly boiled over after the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, where a war of words erupted following Verstappen’s belief that Russell had influenced the stewards into handing him a penalty.
Most recently, drama reignited in Spain when Verstappen slammed into the sidepod of Russell’s Mercedes, adding another layer to an already volatile dynamic.
A future pairing comprising both drivers at Mercedes would promise fireworks on track and a potential managerial headache off it.
READ MORE – George Russell: Max Verstappen U-turn over F1 Spanish GP clash was ‘unlike him’
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