Russell makes striking comment about Verstappen 'threat' at Mercedes

19:43, 31 Jul

Updated: 21:29, 31 Jul

byNicole Mulder

George Russell looks ahead to his future with Mercedes with confidence. However, the Brit admits in Hungary that his seat was at risk at one point due to the potential arrival of Max Verstappen. Now that the Dutchman has confirmed he will remain with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season, the path seems clear for Russell to extend his own contract.

That the subject is a topic of discussion was also evident during the media day in Budapest. "I've never feared losing my seat. And that's not even been on the table once this year, even though you guys like to make a big deal out of it," says Russell in an interview with, among others, GPblog.

The rumours arose partly because Mercedes took a long time to announce contract extensions, both for Russell and for junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. It was also no secret that Toto Wolff was still interested in Verstappen. "Maybe 12 months ago I was a bit more anxious and wanting to get something sorted or confirmed for 26, maybe 6 months ago I felt the same, but I'm performing better than ever, I still feel I've got more to give."

Russell admits Verstappen’s potential move put his seat at risk

Despite his confident tone, Russell does acknowledge there was a risk. "Now of course these last six months have been a very unique situation where I don't have a huge power in that sort of agreement and maybe the interests were not aligned for some time, which has of course put me at risk for these last six months. But then it was my job to perform and reduce that risk."

The fact that talks between Verstappen and Mercedes had become more serious is something Russell indirectly confirms. "Of course for both Kimi and I these past months have not been the most assuring for our future and that's just been, yeah, a bit conflicting. I still trust Toto and I still trust in the team that they will always support me as long as I am performing. So that's what I need to focus on."

A contract extension seems likely, but Russell isn’t in a rush. "I've waited so long and I think now I want to get through this weekend, I want to go on holiday next week and enjoy a break. And there is no time pressure on my side, there is no time pressure from the team side. So whenever we come to an agreement, we'll get it done. But it's got to be right both ways."

Whether it’ll be a multi-year deal remains unclear. "It's something we need to think about – what is in the interest of both parties really. What do I want from this as much as what do Mercedes want? It has been obviously a bit of a unique situation we've found ourselves in over these last six months. The fact is, from my side, I want to win. That is the only thing I care about – more than money, more than number of days of this sponsorship, more than anything, I want to win. And that, for me, is the most important thing about my future."