George Russell states he harbors `no ill will` regarding the rumors connecting Max Verstappen to Mercedes and is `not in a hurry` concerning his own contract talks to remain with the team.
Neither Russell nor his teammate Kimi Antonelli has been confirmed for a Mercedes seat in 2026. Earlier this year, speculation arose that Verstappen might sensationally move to Mercedes after Red Bull`s less-than-ideal start to the season.
Since then, Red Bull has improved relative to McLaren, and Verstappen followed his Suzuka win with a victory in Imola. However, he currently sits third in the Drivers` Championship, 43 points adrift of leader Oscar Piastri.
Last year, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff publicly tried to sign Verstappen, but stated in March, three months prior, that a surprising move for the reigning world champion was `not being considered`.
It is understood that Verstappen`s contract contains a clause allowing him to leave Red Bull after this season if, unlikely as it is, he is not among the top four in the Drivers` Championship at the start of the F1 summer break, after the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 3.
Verstappen is presently 41 points ahead of Charles Leclerc, who is fifth, while Russell holds fourth place in the standings.
“There has been no bad blood regarding any of the discussions that have been circulating, particularly concerning Max,” Russell commented after his victory at the Canadian Grand Prix.
“As I`ve frequently stated, why wouldn`t teams be interested in Max? If all drivers were without contracts for the next season, Max would be the first choice for every team. That is perfectly understandable.”
“However, ultimately, each racing team has two available seats. I was confident that if I maintained my current performance level, my position would not be at risk. Therefore, I feel secure.”
F1 Driver Contracts
| Expire at end of 2025 | Expire at end of 2026 | Expire at end of 2027 | Expire at end of 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yuki Tsunoda | Lewis Hamilton | Lando Norris | Charles Leclerc** |
| George Russell | Fernando Alonso | Max Verstappen | |
| Kimi Antonelli | Lance Stroll | Oscar Piastri | |
| Franco Colapinto* | Pierre Gasly | **rumoured | |
| Liam Lawson | Esteban Ocon | ||
| Isack Hadjar | Oliver Bearman | ||
| *Number of races unknown | Alex Albon | ||
| Carlos Sainz | |||
| Nico Hulkenberg | |||
| Gabriel Bortoleto |
Russell: I`m Not Talking to Any Other F1 Teams
Reports emerged on Monday suggesting Aston Martin is interested in Russell to spearhead their efforts starting in 2026, even though Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll have contracts for the upcoming season.
Speaking before these reports surfaced, Russell maintained his belief that his future lies with Mercedes.
“I am not in discussions with anyone else or any teams that have expressed interest,” he stated.
“I have been quite transparent about my intention to remain with Mercedes. That has always been clear. I am loyal to Mercedes; they provided me with the opportunity to enter Formula 1.”
Russell added: “We are not rushing into contract negotiations. We aim to win together, especially now that Kimi and I are teammates.”
“Achieving results like in Canada, with both of us being former Mercedes junior drivers, shows we are performing well. Why would you want to alter something that is effective?”
Wolff: Russell Contract `All on Plan`
Russell joined Mercedes from Williams in 2022 and has established himself as the team`s leading driver following Lewis Hamilton`s departure at the end of last year.
The 27-year-old scored just two fewer points than Hamilton over their three campaigns as teammates and arguably had the upper hand over the seven-time world champion in their final season together.
He has continued this strong form this year with four podium finishes, plus Mercedes` first victory of 2025 at the Canadian Grand Prix.
“He has been with us for a long time,” said Mercedes team principal Wolff.
“He is maturing, and the progress he has made from being a young driver at Williams, then joining Mercedes during a challenging period, performing on par with Lewis, and since Lewis departed, clearly becoming the senior driver in the team – it feels natural.”
“There are no politics involved. He has simply earned and deserved the position he holds. The team atmosphere is excellent, and we have mutually agreed on a timeframe for finalizing these matters.”
“Once the triple-headers are behind us, with races coming one after another in June and July, we will address this.”
“He has been a Mercedes junior since 2016. His contract isn`t dependent on winning races or performing because we are well aware of his capabilities.”
When asked at the premiere of the F1 movie about Russell`s new contract, Wolff concluded: “Everything is proceeding as planned”.
Brundle on Russell`s `Perfect` Canada Performance and Future
Martin Brundle`s analysis:
“Canada saw a perfect performance from George. Pole position, fastest lap, race win – largely unchallenged.”
“When George is leading like that, you don`t question how he will handle the pressure. It doesn`t even cross your mind.”
“You know he won`t lock up his brakes or make a foolish error. He`s fully focused and possesses the speed, consistency, and self-assurance, which was evident again in Canada.”
“We observed last year that he largely had the edge over Lewis. He has thrived in the role of team leader. He has stepped out of Lewis`s shadow, whom he still respectfully calls `the GOAT` and acknowledges learning from.”
Brundle on Why Mercedes Hasn`t Yet Agreed a New Contract with Russell
“Former McLaren boss Ron Dennis used to say, `Why make an early decision if you`re in a stronger contractual position?` It`s somewhat like landing with excessive runway remaining – it provides no benefit.”
“I suspect they believe it motivates George. Perhaps they think, `George is performing well in this setting, let`s make the most of this advantageous position.`”
Marcus Prine