George Russell stated that it is completely understandable why Mercedes would be interested in signing Max Verstappen.
Russell is currently in the final year of his contract with Mercedes, and the lack of an extension is particularly noticeable given his consistent strong performances.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff mentioned last month that the team had paused their attempts to recruit reigning world champion Max Verstappen from last year. However, the current instability within Verstappen`s Red Bull team, combined with Russell`s uncertain contract situation, keeps the topic of Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes alive.
`Why wouldn`t they want to sign Max? It`s completely understandable,` Russell told PA ahead of this weekend`s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
`He is currently the best driver, a four-time world champion. This is not a reflection on me or Kimi [Antonelli]. Every team has two drivers, and he is one of the top individuals.`
`Therefore, this doesn`t worry me at all because my performance is what matters, and I believe I am currently performing at the highest level on the grid.`
Speculation about Verstappen`s future resurfaced this week when Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, speaking after Red Bull`s difficulties in the Bahrain Grand Prix, expressed concern that the four-time champion might leave if the team cannot improve their car.
Verstappen himself has stated that his priority is to help improve Red Bull`s car and expressed confusion about Marko`s comments regarding concerns about his future.
Russell has had a very strong start to the 2025 season, achieving three podium finishes in the first four races and is only 14 points behind Lando Norris in the championship standings. This continues his strong performance from 2024, where he often outperformed Lewis Hamilton.
`I am very content. Many drivers have contracts, but the reality is that if you underperform, teams will find ways to terminate them. When the time is right, we will discuss a contract,` he said.
`I believe that those overly concerned about contract security or lack of clarity are those who lack self-belief. I have immense self-belief.`
`I have been teammates with a world champion for three years, arguably the greatest of all time in Hamilton. I believe I can beat anyone given the right opportunity, and that is my strength.`
Russell: Some Rumors `Reasonably Close` to Truth
Earlier this week, Autosport reported that Russell was nearing a two-year contract extension, with an option for a further season in 2028.
When asked about the validity of this rumor, along with alternative theories suggesting no discussions had occurred or that his strong form was causing irritation within the Verstappen camp, Russell responded:
`Rumors are rarely entirely accurate, are they?`
`When you mention rumors, I don`t tend to pay much attention. Some of them are somewhat close, I suppose, but ultimately, we have never discussed contracts before May or June in any season.`
Russell further explained that he doesn`t see long-term contracts as crucial.
He noted: `I would say the more unusual situation is how many drivers have these long-term agreements.`
`However, everyone has exit clauses and performance clauses. A three-year contract doesn`t hold much weight if there are clauses allowing either the driver to leave or the team to terminate if performance isn`t up to par. It`s not very significant.`
`If a team wants to move on from a driver, they will find a way, regardless of the contract.`
`That`s how this sport operates, and rightly so, because we are among the top 20 drivers globally, and it`s a highly competitive environment. There is no room for complacency. The only focus should be on driving fast.`
