Russell reveals Verstappen talks are 'ongoing' at Mercedes

George Russell has all but confirmed the long-standing rumor lingering in the Formula 1 paddock – that Mercedes is in talks with reigning world champion Max Verstappen.

Russell and Mercedes have yet to extend their association beyond 2025, with the two parties recently expressing their view that a new deal was a question of when not if.

However, ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, Russell seemingly let the cat out of the bag when asked directly about the possibility of Verstappen joining Mercedes.

Rather than dodging the pointed question, instead, he leaned in – and turned heads with a remarkably straightforward answer.

"As Mercedes, they want to be back on top,” Russell told Sky F1 on Thursday. “And if you’re going to be back on top you need to make sure you’ve got the best drivers, the best engineers, the best pit crew, and that’s what Mercedes are chasing.

“So, it’s only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing."

The Briton’s words are the clearest public indication yet that Mercedes, currently second in the constructors’ standings, is seriously eyeing Verstappen as a potential marquee signing to lead the team back to championship contention, perhaps as early as 2026.

As a reminder, the four-time world champion’s current deal with Red Bull runs through 2028, but political turmoil behind the scenes and a reportedly fraying relationship with team management have fuelled rumors of a sensational switch – and Mercedes has reportedly been waiting in the wings.

Mercedes’ Decision Looms: “There’s Two Seats”

With Kimi Antonelli also in the frame and Verstappen’s shadow looming large, Russell acknowledged that team boss Toto Wolff has a tricky puzzle to solve.

"Toto has made it clear to me that he thinks how I'm performing this year is as good as anybody,” Russell revealed.

“I think there's only one driver that you can debate in terms of performance – these are his words, these are not my words – so that's why I have no concern about the future.

"But there's two seats at every team and I guess he needs to think, who are those two drivers going to be for those two seats, and I guess that's what the delay is."

As for the idea of possibly being paired with Verstappen, a driver with whom Russell has endured several flashpoints on and off the track, the Briton brushed off the notion that a personal rivalry with the Dutchman could complicate a potential collaboration.

"That's not even something I think about," he said. “I think when you're racing against the best and you're racing against the most aggressive, you need to stand tall and make sure you have your elbows out and give as much as the opponent will give.

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• Verstappen: ‘There’s always a spot available for Vettel at Red Bull’

“So that is sort of my approach when racing somebody of his calibre, but ultimately, I'm going about my own business.

"I'm fighting for myself, my team, and if Max and I have come together a few times over the last six months, that's just the way it's panned out."

Whatever the outcome of Mercedes’ current discussions, one thing is certain: the driver market for 2026 and beyond is heating up, and George Russell isn’t just watching from the sidelines – he’s right in the middle of the action!

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