George Russell has shed light on the ongoing Mercedes rumors surrounding Max Verstappen. The British driver understands the rumors and reveals that he would also sign the Dutchman, alongside himself, if he were team boss Toto Wolff. Meanwhile, contract negotiations between the Silver Arrows and Russell himself continue. The Brit says he is not at all worried about the outcome of these discussions for now.
With a fourth place in the drivers’ championship and a series of six races in the top five, George Russell is doing well this season to retain his seat at Mercedes in 2026. Contract negotiations are still in full swing, at the same time that Max Verstappen’s exit clause at Red Bull is reportedly about to expire. However, this has not completely ended the rumors that Verstappen could move to Mercedes. Russell would welcome the Dutchman at the German racing team.
“I have already said that I would like to be Verstappen’s teammate,” the Brit tells Mundo Deportivo. “But the fact is: why wouldn’t a team want Verstappen? If I were Toto (Wolff, ed.) and if he could have any driver, I would choose myself and Verstappen.” Russell not only prefers Verstappen over current teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the Brit would also sign the Dutchman before former teammate Lewis Hamilton. “And Ferrari, if it had the choice, would opt for Verstappen and Leclerc,” the Mercedes driver continues.
Choosing the Ideal Teammate
The only top team where Russell struggles to choose who among the current drivers he would pair with Verstappen is McLaren. “McLaren would probably also opt for Verstappen and… here it might be more challenging: Norris or Oscar Piastri. But if by 2026 every team could freely choose its drivers, Verstappen would be the first choice for all teams. That’s not disrespectful. It’s just reality.”
‘Contracts Mean Nothing in F1’
Meanwhile, Russell still occupies the seat at the Silver Arrows, and it is also his intention to remain a Mercedes driver for the time being. The Brit is confident that a contract extension will come soon. “I think it’s rather abnormal that Charles Leclerc signs for five years, Lando for five years, Oscar for three years,” explains Russell. “Many of these drivers have signed very long-term contracts with their team. That’s not normal.”
The British driver, therefore, is not worried that his own future at Mercedes is still unclear. “Because with or without a contract, if you perform, you’re good and if you don’t perform, you’re not good,” the Brit continues. “There were drivers like Daniel Ricciardo, who had a contract, but he was thrown out. Sergio Perez had a contract and was also not allowed to continue. Therefore, a contract means nothing in Formula 1. For me, if I’m a driver, fast, and on the podium, that gives me more confidence than a piece of paper with a signature,” concludes Russell.
