Russell reveals: Mercedes still dreams of Verstappen in F1

Russell Reveals Possible Delay in Mercedes Renewal

George Russell has hinted that conversations to renew his contract with Mercedes may be delayed, apparently due to the team’s interest in signing Formula One champion Max Verstappen. The 27-year-old British driver, who achieved victory at the Canadian Grand Prix two weeks ago, sees his contract expire at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Verstappen, a four-time champion, has an agreement with Red Bull until 2028, subject to possible exit clauses. Russell told Sky Sports at the Austrian Grand Prix that Mercedes, constructors’ champion for eight consecutive years (2014-2021) and currently second behind McLaren, is looking to return to the top.

If you want to get back to the top, you must make sure you have the best drivers, the best engineers and the best pit crew, and that’s what Mercedes is looking for.

George Russell

“It’s normal that conversations with Verstappen are ongoing. But for my part, if I’m performing as I am, what do I have to worry about? There are two seats in every Formula One team,” Russell added. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made his interest in Verstappen clear last year, seeking a replacement for seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. In the end, 18-year-old Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli got the opportunity and has set a series of age records, receiving great support from fans. Verstappen and Russell have been involved in several confrontations on and off the track in the last 12 months, which could raise concerns at Mercedes about the possibility of putting them together in the same team. Russell also commented that Toto Wolff has assured him that he is performing as well as any other driver on the grid.

I think there’s only one driver that can be debated in terms of performance, these are his words, not mine, so I have no concerns about the future.

George Russell

“But there are two seats on each 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 the delay.” Verstappen, in the main FIA press conference, was reluctant to talk about his future when asked if he would be driving for Red Bull next year. “Do you want me to repeat what I said last year?… It’s really not on my mind. Just driving well, trying to improve performance, and then we’ll focus on next year.”