George Russell remains unworried about his future at Mercedes. Ever since the British driver revealed that Max Verstappen has been in talks with the Silver Arrows, the rumor mill has been working overtime. However, Russell is confident that Mercedes still has his best interests at heart, and that worst-case scenario, he could end up at another competitive team.
George Russell is in the final year of his current contract with Mercedes. The Brit admits to being in a ‘unique situation’, with all the ongoing speculation about his future with the Silver Arrows. Russell himself previously revealed that Mercedes has held talks with Max Verstappen, and since then, rumors about a possible Mercedes switch for the four-time world champion have been circulating.
However, team boss Toto Wolff said prior to the Belgian GP that the priority within his team still lies with the current line-up, with Russell and teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Therefore, the British driver is still not worried. “Mercedes has always had my best interests at heart, and we’ll see what happens in the future,” Russell tells the media at Spa. “However, I still see no reason to worry about my future at Mercedes.”Mekies on Verstappen’s Role Within Red Bull: ‘We Need His Magic’
Even if Mercedes decides not to continue with the four-time Grand Prix winner, George Russell sees no reason to panic. “And what’s the worst that can happen? If I perform well, I’ll stay in Formula 1 and end up somewhere else. It ultimately comes down to you. You hold your fate in your own hands.”
Long-Term Conversations
It was Russell’s revelation in Austria that Mercedes is indeed talking to Verstappen, which initially set the rumor mill spinning. However, according to the Brit, it’s quite normal for teams to also have conversations with drivers outside their stable. “Most teams are talking to most drivers,” Russell continues. “It’s not just about the short term. There are already conversations happening about drivers for 2027, 2028, and 2029. Everyone is always looking many years ahead.”
