George Russell makes Max Verstappen concession as Mercedes question lingers

George Russell has conceded it is "only normal" that Mercedes is trying to sign Max Verstappen as he waits for a new contract.

Both Russell and team-mate Kimi Antonelli are out of contract at the end of this season, with boss Toto Wolff exploring the possibility of luring Max Verstappen from Red Bull. 

It is understood that a break clause exists in Verstappen's contract whereby he can leave for 2026 if he is outside of the top three in the drivers' championship by the summer, with the Dutchman currently 18 points ahead of Russell in fourth.

Russell has maintained throughout the uncertain period that as long as he performs, he should earn an extension, and has five podiums, including one win, from the first half of the season.

But reflecting on the situation, the Briton has conceded that "it is only normal" Mercedes is exploring a deal for Verstappen. 

"I think you are asking the wrong person to be honest," Russell replied when asked by Sky Sports F1 why he had not received a fresh contract. 

"As a team, it depends where you put your aspirations, and we're second or third best at the moment, and we might be over-performing slightly to be second-best.

"But Mercedes wants to be back on top, and if you're going to be back on top, you need to make sure you've got the best drivers, the best engineers, the best pit-crew, and that's what Mercedes are chasing. 

"And so it is only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing, but from my side, if I am performing as I am, what have I got to be concerned about? There are two seats in every Formula 1 team."