George Russell declares his ‘future’ lies at Mercedes as Max Verstappen rumors persist

One of the major headlines entering the Formula 1 British Grand Prix focused on the contract status of two drivers: George Russell at Mercedes and Max Verstappen at Red Bull. With Russell without a contract for next season, and Red Bull languishing in the Constructors’ Championship standings, the week began with Sky Sports Italy linking Verstappen to a move to Mercedes, noting that talks were “intensifying.”

As luck would have it, Russell was one of the six drivers selected for the FIA Press Conferences at the British Grand Prix.

Speaking in that session on Thursday, the current Mercedes driver declared that his “future” lies with Mercedes, and he does not anticipate driving for any other team next season.

“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,” said Russell on Thursday.

While speculation holds that Verstappen would replace Russell at Mercedes, the British driver indicated that he would be willing to drive alongside Verstappen. The two have clashed on the track over the past months, including an incident in the closing stages of the Spanish Grand Prix where Verstappen drove into Russell after giving a place back to the Mercedes driver.

“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,” added Russell.

“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 that I’m happy to be teammates with anybody,” continued Russell. “So, of course there’s lots of conversations, lots of rumours, and all of these being pointed towards me, but from my side, that isn’t really going to be the case.”

Russell did indicate that other teams have contacted him, but with Mercedes also serving as his manager, that complicates matters.

Still, the driver believes that his future is in silver.

“Any teams who did reach out in the past, I said, ‘I am loyal to Mercedes, that’s where my future lies’. And ultimately, Mercedes are my managers, so it has to be dealt through Mercedes in the first place,” said Russell. “There hasn’t been a lack of interest, let’s say. But I’ve been focused on my side. I am loyal to Mercedes.

“At the end of the day, everything will work itself out, and the likelihood that I’m not at Mercedes next year, I think is exceptionally low.”