Yesterday at 06:30
George Russell has expressed confidence in finding a favourable
seat in F1 next season if he is replaced by Max Verstappen at
Mercedes. Russell is yet to pen an extension with Mercedes for the
2026 campaign, while Max Verstappen has been non-committal over his
future with Red Bull. It has led to increased speculation that the
Dutchman is being lined up for a switch to the Brackley-based squad
as early as next year. Verstappen's arrival could mean the end of
Russell's association with Mercedes and leave him looking for
another team for 2026. When asked by media including RacingNews365
about his chances of immediately landing in a strong F1 project in
the event of a Mercedes exit, Russell replied: "Pretty confident,
to be honest. "I think what I've proven so far has been plenty
enough. Not really much more to say. "Any team who have reached out
in the past, I said: 'Look I am loyal to Mercedes. That's where my
future lies'." Having joined forces with Mercedes over eight years
ago, the German manufacturer has shaped Russell's route to the
sport and ultimately its works F1 team. Any deal with a new team
would have to go through Mercedes - however Russell sees the
possibility of an exit as extremely unlikely. "Ultimately, Mercedes
are my managers," he said. "So it has to be dealt through Mercedes
in the first place. "There hasn't been a lack of interest, let's
say, but I've been focused on my side and I am loyal to Mercedes.
"At the end of the day, everything will work itself out. The
likelihood I'm not a Mercedes next year, I think, is exceptionally
low."
