24/07/2025 16:35
George Russell has conceded it is "unlikely" he will have his F1
future resolved before the summer break. Russell is yet to solidify
his position on the 2026 grid and sees his current deal with
Mercedes expire at the end of the campaign. Mercedes has been
linked with a move for Max Verstappen in recent months, with the
four-time champion failing to nail down his position at Red Bull
amid a difficult period of results for the Milton Keynes-based
outfit. It has been speculated that Verstappen's arrival would mean
the end of the road for Russell at Mercedes, who has been part of
the organisation since early 2017. As he seeks to resolve his F1
future, Russell admitted a deal is not likely to be struck in the
coming two weeks. "I think it's got to be right both ways," Russell
told media including RacingNews365 . "The intention was always
pre-summer break because that's because people go into summer want
to get something sorted. "Realistically, is that going to be the
case? I don't know. There is no contract on the table, so to have
something done in the space of two weeks is unlikely." As Russell
is managed by Mercedes, the Briton admitted he has no choice but to
wait for the German manufacturer's decision over his future. "It's
got to work both ways and you need to talk about the finer
details," he said. "F1 is evolving so much now, you need to go
through everything with a fine-tooth comb to make sure it's all
okay. "There is no rush, really, from my side, because ultimately,
Toto and the team will decide what they wish to do. "I will be in a
position of reacting to what they wish to do. I'm just focusing on
performance and everything else will sort itself out."
