George Russell delivers media gibe in Mercedes contract 'fear' verdict

George Russell has argued that the media has made a bigger deal out of his Mercedes contract situation than it is, insisting he "never feared" for his seat at the team.

There has been rampant and persistent speculation surrounding his future at the eight-time F1 constructors' champions since he confirmed that Max Verstappen was engaged in talks with the Brackley squad.

Team principal Toto Wolff has made no attempt to hide his admiration for the Dutchman over the past 18 months, and with the instability engulfing Red Bull, it was heavily rumoured that the 27-year-old would activate an exit clause in his contract to seek pastures new.

Whilst it was always a long shot that Verstappen would trigger such a provision for 2026, with the substantial regulations change for next year looming large over the F1 paddock, he is now not in a position to, as he would have needed to be outside the top three in the drivers' championship, which is now not possible.

Switching to Mercedes for 2027 remains a very real option for the four-time drivers' champion, who has now committed his future to Red Bull for next term, despite his contract running until the end of 2028.

RacingNews365 understands Verstappen would have to be outside the top two in the standings by the summer break next year, which leaves both Russell and Kimi Antonelli still at long-term risk, even though Wolff has publicly expressed his wish to continue with the pair.

For Russell, he is adamant that he was not worried about his seat being handed to Verstappen. When asked whether it had been difficult getting Wolff to agree to a new deal, the British driver, who is also managed by the team, dismissed the notion.

"Not really, no, because they ultimately hold the cards, because of the situation we find ourselves in, with the management agreement," the four-time grand prix winner told media, including RacingNews365.

"So they've had no rush to sign Kimi or I, because we've got this longer-term overriding deal in place.

"But the truth is, I've never feared losing my seat, and that's not even been on the table once this year, even though, of course, you guys [the media] like to make a big deal out of it."

A less 'anxious' Russell

Russell did admit that in the past he would have felt more "anxious" about his precarious position, but given the strength of his performances this campaign, that is no longer the case.

With Verstappen confirmed to be staying put at Red Bull, the Mercedes driver has more clarity over his situation, even if no contract extension is immediately forthcoming. As such, he maintains there is "no time pressure" to get the deal done.

"It's been a long time that... maybe 12 months ago, I was a bit more anxious and wanted to get something sorted or confirmed for '26. Maybe six months ago, I felt the same," Russell conceded.

"But now, I'm performing better than ever. I still feel I've got more to give.

"I've waited so long, and now I want to get through this weekend. I want to go on holiday next week and enjoy the break.

"And there is no time pressure [on] my side, there's no time pressure from the team's side. So whenever we come to an agreement, we'll get it done, but it's got to be right both ways."