George Russell stated that it is perfectly logical for Mercedes to be interested in signing Max Verstappen.
Russell is currently in the final year of his contract with Mercedes, and the lack of an extension is particularly noticeable given his consistent strong performances.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff mentioned last month that previous attempts to recruit reigning world champion Max Verstappen were on hold. However, the uncertainty within Verstappen`s Red Bull team and Russell`s pending contract situation keep the topic alive.
`Why wouldn`t they aim to sign Max? It`s completely understandable,` Russell told PA ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. `He is currently the best driver, a four-time world champion. This has no reflection on me or Kimi [Antonelli]. Every team has two drivers, and he is undoubtedly a top contender.`
`It doesn`t worry me at all because my performance is what counts, and I believe I am currently performing at the highest level on the grid.`
Speculation about Verstappen`s future resurfaced after Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko expressed concern to Sky Germany that Verstappen might leave if the team doesn`t improve their car following a difficult race in Bahrain.
Verstappen himself has stated that his focus is on helping Red Bull improve their car and seemed unsure why Marko would express such `great concern` about his future.
Russell has had a strong start to the 2025 season, achieving three podiums in the first four races and is only 14 points behind Lando Norris in the championship standings. This follows a strong 2024 season where he generally outperformed Lewis Hamilton.
`I am very content,` Russell said. `Many drivers have contracts, but ultimately, if you underperform, teams will find a way to terminate them. We will discuss a contract when the time is right.`
`I believe that drivers overly concerned about contract security lack self-confidence. I have immense self-belief.`
`I`ve been teammates with a world champion for three years, with arguably the greatest of all time in Hamilton. I believe I can defeat anyone given the right opportunity, and that`s my strength.`
Russell: Some Rumors `Reasonably Close` to Truth
Autosport reported that Russell was nearing a two-year contract extension with an option for 2028.
When questioned about these rumors, Russell responded: `Rumors are rarely completely accurate, are they?`
`While some rumors are reasonably close, we typically don`t discuss contracts before May or June in a season.`
Russell elaborated on why he doesn`t consider long-term contracts crucial.
`I think it`s more unusual how many drivers have long-term contracts these days.`
`However, everyone has exit clauses and performance clauses. A three-year contract doesn`t guarantee much if there are clauses allowing either party to exit if performance isn`t met. It doesn`t really signify much.`
`If a team wants to move on from a driver, they will find a way, regardless of a contract.`
`That`s the nature of this sport; it`s very competitive. There`s no room for complacency. The focus must always be on driving fast.`
Marcus Prine