George Russell addresses Mercedes future: 'Nothing is certain'

George Russell has acknowledged “nothing is certain” as he looks to secure his F1 future with Mercedes and challenge for his maiden championship.

Russell's contract expires at the end of the current campaign, leading to speculation he could be dropped in favour of Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

The Dutchman has a deal in place until 2028 but performance clauses exist in his contract, placing his future in doubt amid Red Bull's slump in form this year.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff publicly pursued Verstappen last year as he searched for a Lewis Hamilton replacement.

While Wolff's interest has seemingly cooled in recent months, Russell has accepted his own position is not completely intact.

“No, it's not safe,” Russell told motorsport-total. “Nothing is certain. 

“But if I stay with Mercedes, next year will be my fifth year with the team. Nobody knows when their time will come.

“You just have to make sure that you keep performing consistently, keep delivering. And what happens then - only time will tell.”

Russell arrived at Mercedes in 2022 - right when it slipped back in the pecking order amid the introduction of fresh regulations.

However, the Brackley-based squad is being tipped to begin 2026 on a strong foot with another regulation shake-up.

As he looks to stick around with Mercedes on a fresh deal, Russell is hopeful the next era under new technical rules will present him the opportunity to compete for his first title.

“Look at Fernando [Alonso]: He comes in, wins two titles in his first four years - and people say, 'He's going to get ten',” Russell said. 

“He hasn't won a title since. Or Sebastian [Vettel]: He wins four - and then no more. If you look at Michael Schumacher, it took him five years at Ferrari before he won his first title there. 

“This is now my fourth year at Mercedes, next year will be my fifth.”