George Russell revealed that his contract negotiations with Mercedes are on hold as the team continues to pursue four-time Formula One champion Max Verstappen. Speaking at the Austrian Grand Prix, the 27-year-old Briton, fresh off his Canadian Grand Prix win, remains confident despite his contract expiring at the end of the 2025 season.
Mercedes’ Pursuit of Verstappen
Russell, addressing Sky Sports, acknowledged Mercedes’ ambition to reclaim their dominance after eight consecutive constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021. “If you’re going to be back on top, you need the best drivers, engineers, and pit crew,” Russell said, noting ongoing talks with Verstappen, who is contracted to Red Bull until 2028 but has exit clauses.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has openly expressed interest in Verstappen as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who left the team last year. However, Mercedes also promoted 18-year-old Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli, who has impressed fans by setting multiple age-related records in F1.
Russell’s Confidence Amid Uncertainty
Despite the delay in his contract renewal, Russell remains unfazed, citing strong performances that he believes rival anyone on the grid. “Toto has told me I’m performing as well as anybody,” Russell told reporters, emphasizing that every team has two seats to fill. “If I’m performing as I’m doing, what have I got to be concerned about?”
The potential pairing of Russell and Verstappen could be challenging, given their history of on- and off-track clashes over the past year. Mercedes may hesitate to combine the two, balancing performance with team dynamics.
Verstappen Focused on Racing
When asked about his future, Verstappen, speaking at the FIA press conference, downplayed speculation. “It’s not really on my mind. Just driving well, trying to push the performance,” he said, sidestepping questions about a potential move to Mercedes in 2026.
What’s Next for Mercedes?
With Mercedes currently second to McLaren in the constructors’ standings, the team is keen to secure a championship-caliber lineup. Russell’s strong form and Antonelli’s rapid rise make them formidable options, but the allure of Verstappen’s proven success keeps the door open for a blockbuster move. Fans will be watching closely as contract talks unfold ahead of the 2026 season.
Stay tuned for updates from the Austrian Grand Prix, where Russell aims to build on his Canadian success and Verstappen continues to chase the drivers’ title.