George Russell has firmly addressed the latest swirling rumours linking Max Verstappen to Mercedes – and the potential implications for his own future.
A bombshell report from Sky Italia earlier this week suggested Verstappen could be poised for a sensational switch to Mercedes, a move that would cast uncertainty over Russell’s seat.
However, reliable sources have since poured cold water on the claims, labelling them inaccurate. Regardless, the speculation has added fuel to the already charged atmosphere ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix.
Russell, whose current Mercedes contract expires at the end of 2025, remained composed and defiant when pressed about the Verstappen speculation during Thursday’s FIA press conference.
“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 teammates with anybody,” Russell told reporters at Silverstone on Thursday.
“Of course there’s conversations and rumours and all of these have been pointed towards me but from my side that isn’t going to be the case. I want to continue with Mercedes into the future, the fact is Toto has never let me down.”
Russell continued by reaffirming his faith in Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff.
“He’s always given me his word, and he’s also got to do what’s right for his team, which includes me but 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 doesn’t concern me either. Just focusing on the driving.”
The 26-year-old also revealed that he has held more frequent talks with Wolff in recent days, prompted by the media frenzy.
“I mean there’s a lot of conversations behind the scenes that are not public and I know where their loyalty lies,” Russell explained.
“It doesn’t need to be public or broadcasted to everybody. We’ve spoken a bit more over the last week because there’s numerous articles and whatnot out there but it doesn’t really change anything on my side because as I said I’m performing better than ever, it’s as simple as that really, performance speaks for everything.”
When asked directly whether he was exploring other team options in case the rumours escalated, Russell’s response was a flat: “No.”
Russell has been one of the standout drivers in the 2025 season, regularly battling at the front and showing maturity in difficult circumstances. Despite the pressure that naturally accompanies such speculation, he shrugged off the noise.
When asked if the recent talk was unfair, Russell responded calmly.
“That’s for you to judge and for me… I feel quite thick-skinned, I don’t really read much news or listen to rumours,” he said.
“I just focus on the facts and focus on the driving. I said it at the beginning of the year, you can have a contract but if you don’t perform you’re out, if you do perform everything sorts itself out.
“From my side not really much more to add, just focusing on the driving, as I’ve been all for this whole year.”
While Verstappen’s long-term future at Red Bull remains uncertain amid internal turbulence, George Russell appears to have drawn a line in the sand: he’s staying put, and he’s staying focused.
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