George Russell addresses Mercedes contract 'deadline' as Max Verstappen threat looms

George Russell has hinted he expects his F1 future to be resolved in the coming weeks as his position with the Mercedes team remains unclear.

Mercedes has not yet confirmed either of its 2026 F1 seats as it continues to be linked with a shock move for Max Verstappen.

Should it secure the services of the Dutchman, it has been speculated that Russell would be forced aside.

Keen to put the rumours behind him, Russell expects the matter to be resolved shortly, despite not playing to a hard deadline.

“There’s not really any deadline in place, to be honest,” Russell told RacingNews365.

“Naturally, we’re trying to have stuff done before the summer break. From my side, Mercedes managed me as well.

“It’s not really a deadline in my hands as such. I'm not even thinking about it. 

“Obviously there's a lot of questions about it, but the more we speak or the less we speak about it, nothing really changes.

“It’ll happen when the time is right. I expect probably in the next couple of weeks, probably something to happen.”

George Russell 'knows where Mercedes loyalty lies'

Mercedes' interest in signing Verstappen comes as fresh technical regulations approach next year.

The German manufacturer has been tipped to emerge as a strong contender, with both the power units and chassis undergoing significant changes.

Having been part of the Mercedes family since 2017, Russell suggested he has been given reassurances over his future by the team behind closed doors following the intensifying rumours linking Verstappen to the team. 

“There are a lot of conversations behind the scenes that are not public, and I know where their loyalty lies,” Russell said.

“It doesn't need to be public. It doesn't need to be broadcast to everybody. 

“We've obviously spoken a little bit more over the last week because there are numerous news articles and whatnot out there.

“In all honesty, it doesn't really change anything on my side. As I've said before, I feel I'm performing better than ever. And it's as simple as that really.”