31/07/2025 18:30
George Russell has argued that the media has made a bigger deal out
of his Mercedes contract situation than it is, insisting he "never
feared" for his seat at the team. The has been rampant and
persistent speculation surrounding his future at the eight-time F1
constructors' champions since he confirmed that Max Verstappen was
engaged in talks with the Brackley squad. Team principal Toto Wolff
has made no attempt to hide his admiration for the Dutchman over
the past 18 months, and with the instability engulfing Red Bull, it
was heavily rumoured that the 27-year-old would activate an exit
clause in his contract to seek pastures new. Whilst it was always a
long shot that Verstappen would trigger such a provision for 2026,
with the substantial regulations change for next year looming large
over the F1 paddock, he is now not in a position to, as he would
have needed to be outside the top three in the drivers'
championship, which is now not possible. Switching to Mercedes for
2027 remains a very real option for the four-time drivers'
champion, who has now committed his future to Red Bull for next
term, despite his contract running until the end of 2028.
RacingNews365 understands Verstappen would have to be outside the
top two in the standings by the summer break next year, which
leaves both Russell and Kimi Antonelli still at long-term risk,
even though Wolff has publicly expressed his wish to continue with
the pair. For Russell, he is adamant that he was not worried about
his seat being handed to Verstappen. When asked whether it had been
difficult getting Wolff to agree to a new deal, the British driver,
who is also managed by the team, dismissed the notion. "Not really,
no, because they ultimately hold the cards, because of the
situation we find ourselves in, with the management agreement," the
four-time grand prix winner told media, including RacingNews365 .
"So they've had no rush to sign Kimi or I, because we've got this
longer-term overriding deal in place. "But the truth is, I've never
feared losing my seat, and that's not even been on the table once
this year, even though, of course, you guys [the media] like to
make a big deal out of it." A less 'anxious' Russell Russell did
admit that in the past he would have felt more "anxious" about his
precarious position, but given the strength of his performances
this campaign, that is no longer the case. With Verstappen
confirmed to be staying put at Red Bull, the Mercedes driver has
more clarity over his situation, even if no contract extension is
immediately forthcoming. As such, he maintains there is "no time
pressure" to get the deal done. "It's been a long time that...
maybe 12 months ago, I was a bit more anxious and wanted to get
something sorted or confirmed for '26. Maybe six months ago, I felt
the same," Russell conceded. "But now, I'm performing better than
ever. I still feel I've got more to give. "I've waited so long, and
now I want to get through this weekend. I want to go on holiday
next week and enjoy the break. "And there is no time pressure [on]
my side, there's no time pressure from the team's side. So whenever
we come to an agreement, we'll get it done, but it's got to be
right both ways."
