"Toto has never let me down," claims Russell as he addresses wild speculations around his future

Mercedes driver George Russell has explained his contractual situation amid wild speculations around his future in Formula One, suggesting that he would like to "have stuff done before summer break."

Although George Russell has been in discussion with Mercedes about the extension of his contract for several months, recent reports claimed that the German marque might be interested in the services of four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen.

According to wild speculation, the Dutchman has already agreed to join Mercedes following an offer from team principal Toto Wolff. However, part of the Mercedes board has not yet approved the move, as they believe their 2026 package could be competitive regardless of driver pairing.

The possible deal would revive interest first shown in 2014, when Wolff tried to sign Verstappen into the Mercedes junior program. That attempt was blocked by Helmut Marko and Red Bull, who secured Verstappen’s F1 debut with Toro Rosso in 2015 and fast-tracked him to the top team.

Verstappen has since won four World Championships with Red Bull, including his latest title in 2024. Now, a new chapter with Mercedes — his historical rivals — could await him in 2026.

According to the reports, Verstappen would replace George Russell while Andrea Kimi Antonelli would stay with the Brackley-based team for a second season.

Asked to clarify the current situation, Russell stated: "I mean, there’s a lot of conversations behind the scenes that are not public. And I know where their loyalty lies. It doesn’t need to be public.

"It doesn’t need to be broadcast to everybody. We’ve obviously spoken a little bit more over the last week because there’s numerous news articles and whatnot out there.

"But in all honesty, it doesn’t really change anything my side because, as I’ve said before, I feel I’m performing better than ever. And it’s as simple as that really. Performance speaks for everything."

m Slafer – DAZN, Spain) Question for George considering this topic. It feels like it’s been your best season in Formula 1 or one of the highest level seasons you’ve had in Formula 1. Do you feel it’s a little bit unfair that you’re in the middle of all these rumours?

Russell has had a stellar season so far. The Briton claimed pole position in Canada before he went on to dominate the race at Montreal on Sunday. He has taken a total of five podium finishes so far, and sits fourth in the drivers' standings.

Asked whether he thinks it is unfair that he finds himself in the middle of the rumours despite his brilliant performances this year, Russell stated: "I mean, that’s for you to judge. For me, I feel quite thick-skinned, and I don’t really read much news or listen to rumours.

"I just focus on the facts, and I focus on the driving. I said it at the beginning of this year, you can have a contract, but if you don’t perform, you’re out.

"And if you do perform, everything sorts itself out. So, yeah, from my side, not really much more to add really and just focus on the driving as I’ve been for this whole year."

Pressed on to reveal whether he had a deadline for when he needs to know what next season will bring for him, Russell denied that he would have set a certain date for that.

"I mean, there’s not really any deadline in place, to be honest. Obviously, naturally, you try and have stuff done before the summer break. From my side, Mercedes manage me as well, so it’s not really a deadline in my hands as such. So, yeah, not really. And I’m not even thinking about it right now.

"Obviously, there’s a lot of questions about it. But the more we speak, the less we speak about it, nothing really changes. It’ll happen when the time is right. I expect probably in the next couple of weeks, probably something to happen. But, yeah, we’ll need to wait and see.

Pushed on to reveal whether he has other options in his mind should Mercedes elect to sign Verstappen, Russell said that his priority remains to stay at Brackley in the near future.

"I mean, every team has two seats available, and it’s normal that every team is considering what the future holds. And I don’t take that personally because I made it clear from the beginning.

"I’m happy to be team-mates with anybody. So of course there’s lots of conversations, lots of rumours, and all of these are being pointed towards me. But from my side, that isn’t really going to be the case.

"I want to continue with Mercedes into the future. The fact is, Toto has never let me down. He’s always given me his word, but he’s also got to do what’s right for his team, which includes me.

"But it also includes the thousands of people who work for Mercedes. For me, it’s nothing to worry about because I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere. And whoever my teammate will be, it doesn’t concern me either. So, just focus on the driving."