Before the Austrian GP, George Russell shocked the F1 paddock when he revealed that Mercedes had been in talks with Max Verstappen. Reports followed that Verstappen and the Silver Arrows were in concrete talks and making progress. Mercedes was reportedly willing to buy out Verstappen’s contract to bring the Dutchman to Brackley.
Russell is out of contract at the end of this current season. Mercedes is keeping their options open in case they can tempt the four-time world champion away from Red Bull and join the Silver Arrows. And Russell has admitted that talks between his team and Verstappen are still underway.
George Russell is not worried about Max Verstappen talks
Four-time race winner George Russell insists that he is not concerned about losing his seat at Mercedes. The Brit has acknowledged there is a chance Verstappen could join the Silver Arrows, but believes he could partner the Dutchman instead of making way.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 at the Belgian GP, Russell was asked if Verstappen and Mercedes were still in talks. Russell replied: “They were and they are, that’s fine. Everybody talks.
“I’ve decided now to just not worry about it whatsoever because I know as long as I drive fast on track, that’s the most important thing, so what will be will be.
“The situation we find ourselves in now, I don’t think, is abnormal. From my side, there is no tension because there’s two cars to every team.
“I’m performing the best I’ve ever performed. I have the majority of the points for the team. So, if you look at the facts, you would argue my job is safe.
“That’s why I’m not concerned at all. If I stop performing, maybe I need to be concerned, but I need to be more concerned about my performance, not about my future.”
Russell is convincingly ahead of his rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli. The Italian youngster has only scored points in one of his last six races, a podium in Canada. However, this is not all down to the 18-year-old. DNFs in Imola and Barcelona were caused by mechanical failures while running in the points. In Silverstone, he was hit from behind by Isack Hadjar. Austria was his fault when he locked up and hit Max Verstappen.
Russell must feel he has done enough to stay in Brackley. However, Mercedes has invested time and money in Kimi and believes he has the potential to be special. If Verstappen comes to Mercedes, it will be a tough decision on who to replace.
Toto Wolff plays down Max Verstappen speculation
Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff has played down signing Max Verstappen and insists that he is happy with his current driver lineup. Russell has won a race this season and stood on the podium five times, while Antonelli impressed early on and took a sprint race pole in Miami.
Speaking to ORF, Wolff said: “The direction of travel is definitely that we want to continue with George and Kimi. That is the absolute priority. But you can’t look past someone like Max and the plans he has for the future. We did that, but I don’t think there will be any big surprises.”
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With both Russell and Antonelli’s contracts expiring at the end of this season, they will likely both sign an extension. Verstappen was unlikely to leave Red Bull for the 2026 season. With a new regulation cycle coming in for next season, the pecking order is still relatively unknown. However, once the 2026 season plays out, Verstappen could be on the move if Red Bull is uncompetitive. Next season could be crucial for the futures of many drivers.
