George Russell makes 'unlikely' declaration over Mercedes F1 future

George Russell has conceded it is “unlikely” he will have his F1 future resolved before the summer break.

Russell is yet to solidify his position on the 2026 grid and sees his current deal with Mercedes expire at the end of the campaign.

Mercedes has been linked with a move for Max Verstappen in recent months, with the four-time champion failing to nail down his position at Red Bull amid a difficult period of results for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

It has been speculated that Verstappen's arrival would mean the end of the road for Russell at Mercedes, who has been part of the organisation since early 2017.

As he seeks to resolve his F1 future, Russell admitted a deal is not likely to be struck in the coming two weeks.

“I think it's got to be right both ways,” Russell told media including RacingNews365.

“The intention was always pre-summer break because that's because people go into summer want to get something sorted.

“Realistically, is that going to be the case? I don't know. There is no contract on the table, so to have something done in the space of two weeks is unlikely.”

As Russell is managed by Mercedes, the Briton admitted he has no choice but to wait for the German manufacturer's decision over his future.

“It’s got to work both ways and you need to talk about the finer details,” he said. 

“F1 is evolving so much now, you need to go through everything with a fine-tooth comb to make sure it's all okay.

“There is no rush, really, from my side, because ultimately, Toto and the team will decide what they wish to do.

“I will be in a position of reacting to what they wish to do. I’m just focusing on performance and everything else will sort itself out.”