George Russell has expressed confidence in his future with Mercedes, stating he doesn`t believe he will be leaving the team despite ongoing speculation that Max Verstappen could potentially join from Red Bull.
Ahead of the recent Austrian Grand Prix, Russell had suggested to Sky Sports F1 that discussions regarding his expiring contract extension were potentially paused due to Mercedes` interest in Verstappen. This was later corroborated by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who confirmed `conversations` were taking place about signing the Red Bull driver.
Given the history of on-track and off-track rivalry between Russell and Verstappen over the past year, many observers speculated that Russell, rather than teammate Kimi Antonelli, might be the one replaced should Verstappen move to Mercedes.
However, speaking during a press conference leading up to this weekend`s British Grand Prix, Russell voiced his confidence in staying with the `Silver Arrows` and even hinted that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff might consider pairing him with Verstappen.
Russell stated: “Every team has two seats available and it’s normal that every team is considering what the future holds, and I don’t take that personally because I made it clear from the beginning that I’m happy to be team-mates with anybody.”
“So, of course there’s lots of conversations, lots of rumours, and all of these being pointed towards me, but from my side, that isn’t really going to be the case.”
“I want to continue with Mercedes into the future. The fact is, Toto has never let me down. He’s always given me his word, but he’s also got to do what’s right for his team, which includes me, but it also includes the thousands of people who work for Mercedes.”
“For me, it’s nothing to worry about because I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere. And whoever my team-mate will be, it doesn’t concern me either.”
Russell: No lack of interest from other teams
Potential destinations for Russell, were he to leave Mercedes, include a direct swap to Red Bull or a move to Aston Martin, another team previously linked with Verstappen.
Russell, aged 27, confirmed he has received interest from other teams. However, he noted that Mercedes also manages his career, which influences his control over future moves.
When asked about his confidence in securing a competitive seat if he were to leave Mercedes, Russell responded: “Yeah, pretty confident, to be honest. Because I think what I’ve proven so far has been plenty enough.”
“Any teams who did reach out in the past, I said, `I am loyal to Mercedes, that’s where my future lies`.”
“And ultimately, Mercedes are my managers, so it has to be dealt through Mercedes in the first place.”
“There hasn’t been a lack of interest, let’s say. But I’ve been focused on my side. I am loyal to Mercedes.”
“At the end of the day, everything will work itself out, and the likelihood that I’m not at Mercedes next year, I think is exceptionally low.”
Antonelli `not really worried` about future
18-year-old Kimi Antonelli was quickly moved into a Mercedes seat following Lewis Hamilton`s departure. He has demonstrated glimpses of the potential that Mercedes believes could make him a star for the future.
In the short term, Antonelli could theoretically offer Mercedes the option of partnering Verstappen with a less experienced driver who is still developing and potentially less likely to create team friction.
Antonelli commented: “There’s a lot going on but I’m sure the team is doing their best to provide the best for the future, because obviously they’re not looking only for next year but they’re looking as well for the future.”
Given that his contract, like Russell`s, also ends this season, Antonelli was asked if he had discussed potential seats with other teams for 2026.
He replied: “No. I got this opportunity from Mercedes and there’s no talks with anyone else going on. I’m very happy where I am.”
“I need to just do my best, minimise the mistakes and try to deliver the best possible. I know the team has a lot of trust in me, so I’m not really worried.”
British GP Schedule
Friday July 4
8.45am: F3 Practice
9.55am: F2 Practice
12pm: British GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: British GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday July 5
9.10am: F3 Sprint
11.15pm: British GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: British GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: BRITISH GP QUALIFYING*
4.55pm: F4 Race 1
5.40pm: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday July 6
8.15am: F4 Race 2
9.25am: F3 Feature Race
11am: F2 Feature Race
1.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: British GP build-up*
3pm: THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX*
5pm: Chequered Flag: British GP reaction*
6pm: Ted`s Notebook*
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Next up in the 2025 Formula 1 season is the big one, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone with coverage from Thursday to Sunday’s race at 3pm.
Marcus Prine