'I Don't Think I'll Be Going Anywhere': Mercedes' George Russell Unfazed By Verstappen Rumours

Last Updated:July 04, 2025, 16:22 IST

Russell, whose contract ends this year, is confident he will stay with Mercedes for the 2025 F1 season despite rumors of Verstappen joining.

George Russell (right) celebrates after his win as second-place driver Max Verstappen watches. (AP Photo)

George Russell continues to have the utmost confidence he will remain with Mercedes for the 2025 Formula 1 season, despite growing speculation that Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull and join the Silver Arrows.

Russell’s contract expires at the end of this year, while Verstappen, a four-time world champion, reportedly has performance-related clauses in his Red Bull deal—currently set to run through 2028—that could allow him to leave early.

“The likelihood I’m not at Mercedes next year, I think is exceptionally low," Russell told reporters ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, when asked once again about his future.

Verstappen is currently third in the drivers’ championship, trailing leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren by a significant 61-point margin. Red Bull, once a dominant force, have slipped to fourth in the constructors’ standings.

Open to Verstappen as a Teammate

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he [Verstappen] comes. And if he comes, I’d welcome him as a teammate. But I don’t think he will," said Russell, who has had several high-profile on-track clashes with Verstappen over the past two seasons.

“I personally think things will continue as they are. But again, until the contract is on the table on my side, and also for Kimi [Antonelli], you can never be sure."

“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. I’m just focused on the driving," Russell added.

The Briton, who claimed victory at the Canadian Grand Prix last month, said he wasn’t losing sleep over contract talks or paddock rumors.

“I’m not scared of Max. He’s obviously an amazing driver in the same way [former teammate] Lewis [Hamilton] was an amazing driver."

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has acknowledged having conversations with Verstappen, though those discussions are believed to be more focused on long-term planning.

“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," Russell concluded.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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News sports 'I Don't Think I'll Be Going Anywhere': Mercedes' George Russell Unfazed By Verstappen Rumours