George Russell hinted that Mercedes` ongoing efforts to potentially sign Max Verstappen from Red Bull are a factor in the delay of his own contract renewal.
Russell has performed exceptionally well this season, consistently getting the most out of his Mercedes car, including a recent victory in Canada and four previous podium finishes.
Many observers in the F1 paddock have found it surprising that Mercedes hasn`t yet extended the 27-year-old driver`s contract (which, like his young teammate Kimi Antonelli`s one-year deal, is set to expire at season`s end).
Both Russell and the team have previously downplayed the importance of the unsigned contract, but speaking before the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Russell conceded for the first time that having a deal confirmed would be beneficial.
When asked about the status of contract discussions, Russell replied: “Yeah, a little bit. No major updates yet.”
He added that he wasn`t pushing hard for a deal because his performance is the main focus. “As I`ve always said, the performance is the priority,” Russell stated. “And I feel with the performance I`m showing at the moment – still in line with the performance I`ve shown over all these years – I`ve got zero reasons to be worried.”
“But obviously, it does help if there was pen on paper,” he admitted. “But let`s see.”
Following Lewis Hamilton`s decision before last season to depart Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff openly pursued four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
After eventually handing the second seat to young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli having failed to secure Verstappen, Wolff has since minimised his interest in the Red Bull star, often stating he wouldn`t “flirt” given the positive situation with his current drivers.
However, in a later exclusive interview, Russell seemed to imply that he thinks Mercedes might still be attempting to recruit Verstappen from Red Bull.
He commented: “From my side, I don`t think I have anything really to worry about. I think, as a team, it depends where you put your aspirations.”
“We`re second best at the moment, maybe third best,” Russell assessed. “We might be overperforming slightly to be second best.”
He continued: “As Mercedes, they want to be back on top, and if you`re going to be back on top you need to make sure you`ve got the best drivers, the best engineers, the best pit crew, and that`s what Mercedes are chasing.”
“So, it`s only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. But from my side, if I`m performing as I`m doing, what have I got to be concerned about? There are two seats in every Formula 1 team.”
Understanding the Contract Situation
It`s uncertain if Mercedes would ultimately decide to pair Russell with Verstappen, especially considering their significant on and off-track rivalry over the past year, highlighted by heated exchanges, particularly at the end of last season in Abu Dhabi.
During his media session on Thursday, Russell subtly suggested that potential questions about whether he could be partnered with Verstappen might be contributing to the delay in finalising his new contract, though he didn`t name Verstappen directly.
Russell quoted Wolff, saying, “`Toto has made it clear to me that he thinks how I`m performing this year is as good as anybody.`”
“`I think there`s only one driver that you can debate in terms of performance – these are his words, these are not my words – so that`s why I have no concern about the future.`”
“`But there`s two seats at every team and I guess he needs to think, who are those two drivers going to be for those two seats, and I guess that`s what the delay is.`”
Russell reaffirmed his confidence in securing a spot on the 2026 F1 grid, stating this conviction before his recent Canadian Grand Prix win, regardless of whether it`s with Mercedes or another team.
He elaborated, “`For sure, I want to be in the seat that`s going to give me the best chance to win, and ultimately, nothing would make me happier than winning with Mercedes because they`re the ones that helped me get my opportunity and I`ve built such a relationship with everybody in this team.`”
“`But right now, there`s only one thing for me to focus on and that`s driving fast. If you`re driving quick, there`s nothing to worry about. And if you`re not, that`s when people start talking.`”
Verstappen`s View on 2026
Speaking to the media earlier on Thursday in Austria, before Russell, Max Verstappen was asked about his expectations for driving with Red Bull next season.
He responded: “`I`ve had that question before as well in my life. I don`t think we need to talk about that. You want me to repeat what I said last year?`”
“`Again, it`s not really in my mind. I`m just driving, trying to push the performance, and then we focus on next year.`”
Verstappen`s immediate future seemed uncertain earlier in the season due to speculation about a potential exit clause in his contract, leading to rumours of a possible move to Mercedes or Aston Martin.
However, his secure position within the top four of the drivers` standings (being outside this group by the summer break was reportedly a condition to trigger his release clause) had largely calmed this speculation.
Russell`s recent statements are expected to reignite discussion around this topic, ensuring both Wolff and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner will face questions about it over the race weekend.
Gilbert Pendleton