George Russell insists he’s not leaving Mercedes despite Verstappen rumors
- George Russell has not signed a contract beyond the current season but feels confident about his future with Mercedes.
- There are ongoing discussions between Mercedes and Max Verstappen with speculation he could join the team.
- Russell concludes that he is loyal to Mercedes, and the chance of not being with the team next year is exceptionally low.
In Silverstone, England, George Russell has expressed confidence about his future with Mercedes as he navigates through the current Formula 1 season. With no contract signed beyond 2025 and considerable speculation surrounding Max Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes, Russell conveyed an exceptionally low chance of his departure during a press conference held ahead of the British Grand Prix. He emphasized the ongoing discussions between Mercedes and Verstappen but reassured his commitment to the team, attributing his loyalty to team principal Toto Wolff's actions in the past. Despite these changes, Russell believes that their established partnership is vital for competitiveness, particularly with significant rule changes looming in 2026. Moreover, Russell views the pressure from potential team changes as a normal part of the sport, indicating that conversations concerning driver lineups are common practice among teams. He also addressed the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen's contract with Red Bull, which reportedly includes a release clause, saying that any decisions would ultimately prioritize the success of the team as a whole. Owning up to his position, Russell remains focused on performing well, dismissing rumors of engaging with other teams. As the summer break approaches, he anticipates a resolution regarding his contract situation.