Russell responds to Verstappen rumours: 'Absolutely not worried!'

09:44, 18 Apr

byNorberto Mujica

George Russell is having an excellent season at Mercedes, notably in the last year of his current contract with the German team. Team boss Toto Wolff has already noted being very satisfied with the Brit, but a new contract for 2026 has not yet been signed.

If indeed Wolff is considering signing Max Verstappento the German team, should Russell then fear being discarded? “From my side, there's literally no stress, no worries whatsoever,” the Briton said in Saudi Arabia to Sky Sports.

"When it comes to contracts, everyone gets so excited about it, and the fact is, drivers have had contracts, and if they don't perform, they'll get booted out. For drivers, performance is our currency. That's what we've got. And if you perform, everything's good. So, I'm just excited to go racing this weekend, focus on performance, and the future sorts itself out,” Russell added.

Russell Feels Exceptionally Strong in F1

Speaking to the media, including GPblog, in the paddock in Jeddah, Russell points to 2024 as to when he took a step forward performance wise. “I don't think my performances have stepped up massively since last year. I think I was performing at a very good level throughout the end of last year, from probably Austin time onwards.”

“ And of course, being teammates with a seven time world champion, you've always got a fight on your hands week in, week out. It wasn't straightforward, but I don't think I'm going about my business any different to what I was last year.”

Being one of the drivers lauded for their top consistency and performance across the start of the 2025 F1 season, Russell then concludes with words that should keep his competitors on their toes.

"But definitely I do think I'm driving at the best of my abilities and I feel that I'm getting stronger every single season and I still feel there's a lot of room for me to improve. I feel that I'm not even close to my peak yet. And that excites me a lot because I still see areas of improvement that is very much achievable and that I very much believe will bring performance to my game.”