George Russell has stated that he is no longer feeling stressed about his future with Mercedes as his current Formula 1 contract approaches its expiration at the end of this year. The British driver’s Mercedes F1 future has been a topic of intense speculation, especially amid rumors suggesting that Max Verstappen might replace him at the Silver Arrows.

The rumors intensified after Russell remarked before the Canadian Grand Prix in June that Verstappen had “always been on the radar” for Mercedes, fueling doubts regarding the Red Bull champion’s uncertain future. Nevertheless, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recently reaffirmed that Russell and rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli remain the “absolute priority” for the team’s 2026 plans.

Behind the Scenes of Russell’s Contract Discussions

Despite Wolff’s public statements, Russell indicated that those comments were primarily intended for the media and did not change his personal mindset on the issue. Speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Russell said he had learned of Wolff’s remarks just an hour before and emphasized,

“No, not really. That was for you, not for me. What happens behind closed doors is behind closed doors.”

He conveyed that nothing regarding his status has changed from his perspective, and that he prefers to focus on his own performance rather than worrying about contract negotiations.

“I was stressed about my future,”

he shared,

“but I’ve continued to perform, and I just think it’s in my own hands. So there’s no point in losing sleep about it.”

Russell expressed confidence in his standing within the team, stating,

“Mercedes need the best drivers in their race car and I believe that I’m right up there and I don’t think there’s many people doing a better job than I am. So I need them and they need me and that’s how it goes in racing.”

—George Russell, Mercedes F1 driver

Russell’s Progress and Unique Position at Mercedes

Russell has built a reputation as one of Formula 1’s most promising talents this season, currently sitting fourth in the championship standings. His season highlights include a victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, marking the fourth win of his F1 career.

He entered Formula 1 through a loan stint with Williams, debuting in 2019, before officially joining Mercedes in 2022. This trajectory shapes what Russell considers a unique career path within the Mercedes setup, motivating him to remain with the team long-term.

He described the situation as

“a bit of a unique situation we find ourselves in,”

adding,

“I’ve always had my best interests at heart and we’ll find out what happens in the future.”

—George Russell, Mercedes F1 driver

Russell remains optimistic about his prospects, explaining,

“I still have no reason to be concerned about my future with Mercedes and ultimately what’s the worst that’s going to happen. If I’m performing, I’ll still be in Formula 1 and I will be somewhere competitive.”

He pointed out the importance of self-determination in his career:

“It just comes down to yourself. You’re in control of your own destiny.”

Team-Managed Drivers: Russell and Antonelli’s Shared Situation

Russell also highlighted the unique dynamic of being managed by the same team he races for, a position shared by rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who also does not yet have a confirmed contract for next year. Both drivers appear unfazed by the speculation surrounding potential lineup changes involving Verstappen.

Antonelli addressed the uncertainty with confidence, stating,

“I’ve never been worried to be honest. I know the situation, I know what the team wants, especially looking at the future.”

—Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes F1 rookie

He expressed satisfaction with the current team environment and cooperation between himself and Russell, adding,

“The team is working well, the line-up is good, me and George are working well together and we’re trying to work together to also help the team to find performances again.”

—Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes F1 rookie

Antonelli emphasized the strong atmosphere within the team and the factory’s ongoing efforts to improve not only this year’s results but also next season’s development. He concluded,

“This means as well that there’s a good dynamic in the team, but I’m sure the team knows what’s best for next year, and I’m pretty confident that I’m in a good position.”

—Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes F1 rookie

Implications for Mercedes and Formula 1

Russell’s relaxed stance and continued strong performance provide important stability for Mercedes during a period filled with uncertainty. His belief in mutual need between himself and the team highlights how crucial driver-team relationships are in competitive motorsport.

With Verstappen’s future still undecided, the situation remains fluid, but Mercedes’ prioritization of Russell and Antonelli suggests a focus on nurturing existing talent alongside assessing potential strategic changes. How the negotiations unfold will influence both Mercedes’ competitiveness in the coming seasons and the broader F1 driver market.

For Russell, the message is clear: confidence in his own abilities and staying focused on performance will ultimately dictate his path forward, whether with Mercedes or elsewhere in the sport.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?

A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado chose this number when Formula 1 introduced the permanent numbering system in 2014. Even though 13 is often seen as unlucky in some cultures, drivers in F1 can pick their own numbers.

Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?

A. Lewis Hamilton’s experiences with ADHD and dyslexia have influenced both his personal life and racing career. His journey changes how success is viewed in Formula 1 and highlights the importance of acknowledging learning differences.

Q. Is 69 allowed in F1?

A. Rules for F1 driver numbers:

Drivers can select a permanent number between 2 and 99 for their racing career. The number 17 is not available.