George Russell says Mercedes talks with Max Verstappen are delaying him being provided a brand new contract | F1 Information

George Russell has advised Mercedes’ continued pursuit of Crimson Bull’s Max Verstappen is delaying an extension to his expiring contract.

Russell has been one of many excellent drivers on the grid this season, constantly showing to maximise the efficiency of his Mercedes to assert victory final trip in Canada, together with 4 podium finishes earlier than that.

The truth that Mercedes haven’t prolonged the 27-year-old’s contract, which expires on the finish of the season alongside along with his teenage team-mate Kimi Antonelli’s one-year deal, has been a shock to many within the paddock.

Each driver and staff have repeatedly performed down the importance of a deal not having been agreed, however talking forward of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, Russell for the primary time admitted it will “assist” him.

Requested whether or not talks over a deal have been ongoing, Russell stated: “Yeah, a bit of bit. No main updates but.

“It is not one thing that I am urgent massively as a result of, as I’ve all the time stated, the efficiency is the precedence, and I really feel with the efficiency I am displaying in the mean time – nonetheless in step with the efficiency I’ve proven over all these years – I’ve obtained zero causes to be anxious.

“However clearly, it does assist if there was pen on paper. However let’s examine.”

After Lewis Hamilton determined forward of the beginning of final season that he would depart Mercedes to hitch Ferrari in 2025, Silver Arrows staff principal Toto Wolff made a really public pursuit of four-time world champion Verstappen.

Having in the end given the seat to younger Italian Antonelli after lacking out on Verstappen, Wolff has since performed down his curiosity within the Dutchman, repeatedly claiming he will not “flirt” exterior of the great scenario he has along with his present driver line-up.

Nevertheless, talking afterward Thursday in an unique interview with Sky Sports activities F1, Russell appeared to recommend he believes Mercedes are nonetheless making an attempt to signal Verstappen from Crimson Bull.

He stated: “From my facet, I do not suppose I’ve something actually to fret about. I believe, as a staff, it relies upon the place you set your aspirations.

“We’re second finest in the mean time, perhaps third finest. We is perhaps overperforming barely to be second finest.

“As Mercedes, they wish to be again on high, and if you are going to be again on high it’s good to be sure to’ve obtained one of the best drivers, one of the best engineers, one of the best pit crew, and that is what Mercedes are chasing.

“So, it is solely regular that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. However from my facet, if I am performing as I am doing, what have I obtained to be involved about? There are two seats in each Method 1 staff.”

Russell explains contract ‘delay’

It stays to be seen whether or not Mercedes would try and pair Russell with Verstappen, given the pair have intensely feuded on and off monitor up to now 12 months, most notably in an unimaginable disagreement ultimately 12 months’s season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In his group session with the printed media on Thursday, with out saying Verstappen’s identify, Russell appeared to trace that attainable doubt over pairing himself along with his rival was a think about why his contract hasn’t but been renewed.

“Toto has made it clear to me that he thinks how I am performing this 12 months is pretty much as good as anyone,” Russell stated.

“I believe there’s just one driver that you could debate by way of efficiency – these are his phrases, these usually are not my phrases – in order that’s why I’ve no concern in regards to the future.

“However there’s two seats at each staff and I assume he must suppose, who’re these two drivers going to be for these two seats, and I assume that is what the delay is.”

After saying as a lot forward of his victory in Canada earlier in June, Russell reiterated confidence that he shall be on the 2026 grid whether or not that is with Mercedes or elsewhere.

He instructed Sky Sports activities F1: “For positive, I wish to be within the seat that is going to offer me one of the best probability to win, and in the end, nothing would make me happier than successful with Mercedes as a result of they’re those that helped me get my alternative and I’ve constructed such a relationship with everyone on this staff.

“However proper now, there’s just one factor for me to deal with and that is driving quick. Should you’re driving fast, there’s nothing to fret about. And in the event you’re not, that is when folks begin speaking.”

Verstappen: 2026 not likely in my thoughts

Conducting his media duties earlier than Russell on Thursday in Austria, Verstappen had earlier been requested whether or not he expects to drive for Crimson Bull subsequent season.

He stated: “I’ve had that query earlier than as properly in my life. I do not suppose we have to speak about that. You need me to repeat what I stated final 12 months?

“Once more, it is not likely in my thoughts. I am simply driving, making an attempt to push the efficiency, after which we deal with subsequent 12 months.”

Verstappen’s short-term future seemed to be unsure within the early phases of the season as hypothesis over a launch clause fuelled strategies he might transfer to Mercedes or Aston Martin.

Nevertheless, his comfy place within the high 4 of the drivers’ standings, which he would must be exterior of come the summer season break to set off the discharge clause, had largely seen the hypothesis quieted.

Russell’s feedback are more likely to reignite the dialogue, with Wolff and Crimson Bull counterpart Christian Horner sure to be quizzed on the subject all through the weekend.

Sky Sports activities F1’s Austrian GP schedule

Friday June 27
8.50am: F3 Observe
10am: F2 Observe
12pm: Austrian GP Observe One (session begins at 12.30pm)*
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying*
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying*
3.35pm: Austrian GP Observe Two (session begins at 4pm)*
5.15pm: The F1 Present*

Saturday June 28
9am: F3 Dash
11.15pm: Austrian GP Observe Three (session begins at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Dash
2.15pm: Austrian GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: AUSTRIAN GP QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book

Sunday June 29
7.25am: F3 Function Race
8.55am: F2 Function Race
10.40am: Porsche Supercup
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP build-up*
2pm: THE AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Austrian GP response*
5pm: Ted’s Pocket book

*additionally on Sky Sports activities Essential Occasion

Subsequent up for the 2025 Method 1 season is a return to Europe for the Austrian Grand Prix, which is reside on Sky Sports activities F1 this weekend. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime.