Russell no longer “stressed” about Mercedes F1 future amid Verstappen rumours

George Russell has revealed he is no longer “stressed” about his Formula 1 future with his Mercedes contract set to expire at the end of this year.

The Briton is yet to sign a new deal with the Silver Arrows and speculation of Russell being replaced by four-time world champion Max Verstappen has been rife.

It was sparked by Russell saying ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in June that the Red Bull driver has “always been on the radar” for Mercedes, with Verstappen’s future currently up in the air.

But on Wednesday, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed Russell and his rookie team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli are the “absolute priority” for 2026, though Russell said that statement was intended for media purposes and that he is more at ease over his F1 future. 

When asked ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix if Wolff’s statement gave Russell a layer of comfort, he replied: “No, not really. That was for you, not for me. What happens behind closed doors is behind closed doors.

“Nothing from my side has changed. I wasn’t even aware of this statement until one hour ago. So it’s not something I’m looking for.

“It’s not something I really care about. And as I said, these last months of going from a position where I was stressed about my future and I was concerned about it and I’ve continued to perform, I just think it’s in my own hands. So there’s no point in losing sleep about it.

“Mercedes need the best drivers in their race car and I believe that I’m right up there and I don’t think there’s many people doing a better job than I am. So I need them and they need me and that’s how it goes in racing.”

Russell has been one of F1’s star drivers this year with him fourth in the championship, having taken a victory in Canada – the fourth grand prix win of his career. 

He rose through the Mercedes ranks but made his F1 debut in 2019 with Williams as part of a loan deal, before joining the official Silver Arrows squad in 2022.

Russell reckons that makes it a “unique situation” for him with his incentive being to stay at Mercedes for years to come. 

“This is obviously a bit of a unique situation we find ourselves in,” he added. “I’ve always had my best interests at heart and we’ll find out what happens in the future.

George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images

“But I still have no reason to be concerned about my future with Mercedes and ultimately what’s the worst that’s going to happen. If I’m performing, I’ll still be in Formula 1 and I will be somewhere competitive.

“So from my side, it just makes you think again. It just comes down to yourself. You’re in control of your own destiny.

“It’s a bit of a unique situation that I’m managed by the team who I’m racing for, but it’s the same for Kimi as well and that’s the position we find ourselves in.”

Antonelli also doesn’t yet have a contract for next year, but like Russell he isn’t concerned by the prospect of being replaced by Verstappen.

“I’ve never been worried to be honest,” said the 18-year-old at Spa. “I know the situation, I know what the team wants, especially looking at the future.

“I think also Toto has been clear recently, so that’s good to see. But the team is working well, the line-up is good, me and George are working well together and we’re trying to work together to also help the team to find performances again.

“We’re doing a pretty good job and also there’s a really good atmosphere in the team. It’s always nice to go back to the factory and see how much the team is pushing, not only for this year, but as well ahead of next year.

“This means as well that there’s a good dynamic in the team, but I’m sure the team knows what’s best for next year, and I’m pretty confident that I’m in a good position.”