George Russell Remains Unconcerned Despite No Confirmation on 2026 F1 Seat
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Mercedes Formula One driver George Russell is unconcerned about not having a confirmed F1 seat for next year after his recent win at the Canadian Grand Prix. Despite his current Mercedes contract expiring at the end of 2025, the Briton is confident about racing next year.
Russell secured pole position for the race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and dominated the entire race until the chequered flag came out. He is currently placed fourth in the Drivers' Standings with 136 points, 19 points adrift of Max Verstappen in third.
While the Montreal race last weekend was his first win of the 2025 season, Russell showcased an excellent performance last year and proved what he can do with a quick car.
Race winner George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team in the Drivers Press Conference during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.
Race winner George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team in the Drivers Press Conference during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.The question about his Mercedes contract extension arrived amid rumors of Aston Martin reaching out to him for a potential seat in 2026. When asked about the delay in Mercedes' contract extension after the Canadian GP, Russell said:
"It doesn't hurt! It doesn't hurt at all. But, you know, as I've said many times, I'm not concerned at all about next year. I know I'm going to be on the grid next year.
"I feel that I'm driving better than ever. I still feel I've got more in the tank. I feel ready to fight for a World Championship, and I think results like today, results like Bahrain this year when we got half a chance of a good result, we're there to take it.
"And I'm pretty relaxed. Just enjoying the moment, enjoying my racing, and just taking it week by week."
Russell hinted that he has been approached by other teams, but confirmed his loyalty to Mercedes, despite reports of the team's interest in Max Verstappen. He added:
"No. I'm not talking with anybody else and any teams who have shown interest.
"I have been quite open to say my intentions are to stay with Mercedes. That's always been clear. And I am loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this chance to get into Formula 1.
"There haven't been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, especially around Max. Because, like I said on numerous times, why wouldn't teams be interested in Max?
"If every driver had no contracts for next year, Max would be number one for every single team. And that's understandable. But ultimately, there are two seats for every race team.
"I knew if I continue to perform as I'm doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever. So, I feel in a good place.
"We're in no rush to do contract negotiations. We want to win together. Especially Kimi and I being team-mates now – we're getting a result like today, both junior drivers from Mercedes, we're both doing the job in terms of performance. Why would you want to change something that's working?"
Newsweek Sports reported Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff's comments from the race weekend in Canada, who confirmed that a contract extension is coming for Russell. However, it remains to be seen when both parties choose to sign the new deal.
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