George Russell stays confident in his Formula 1 future with Mercedes, while Max Verstappen continues to be linked with the Silver Arrows.
George Russell has no doubt that his future in F1 lies with Mercedes, even though he once again acknowledged in Montreal that Max Verstappen remains on the radar of team principal Toto Wolff.
Russell’s contract expires at the end of this season, and the British driver admitted that no real discussions had yet taken place with Wolff regarding a new deal.
However, Russell has delivered strong performances this season, with four podiums in the first six races, even though a disappointing European triple-header for the team has left him 75 points behind the top of the drivers’ championship.
The Mercedes F1 driver insists that “discussions about a new contract are not a priority” because “Mercedes has bigger concerns right now, namely improving the speed of our car.”
Expressing confidence in what he has achieved, he added, “I know I’ll be in Formula 1 next year.”
“My intention and my goal are to stay with Mercedes, and I believe that’s Toto’s intention as well. There’s no good reason for us to change course.”
Russell is nonetheless aware of the ongoing speculation surrounding Max Verstappen. And Wolff has never hidden his admiration for the Dutchman and could seize the opportunity if he decided to leave Red Bull Racing.
“It’s understandable that people like Max have always been on the radar, because why wouldn’t they be? He’s one of the best drivers, and I understand Toto (Wolff).”
“But then, it’s up to you to prove your worth, and I feel I’ve done that time and again over my seven years in F1, throughout my entire career, so I have no concerns.”
