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George Russell has ended months of speculation about Max Verstappen joining Mercedes, confirming that his new contract includes a performance clause that secures his seat. While Toto Wolff has made no secret of his admiration for Verstappen, Russell says the rumours don’t bother him.
“I’m not worried at all”
In an interview with De Telegraaf, Russell laughed off the idea that Verstappen could replace him. “Not at all,” he said. “I’ve just signed a new contract with a performance clause. If I deliver at a certain level, I stay. It’s fair for both me and the team.”
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The Briton’s extension followed weeks of whispers linking Verstappen to Mercedes after Wolff’s public praise of the Dutchman. Russell’s contract delay had fuelled talk that Verstappen might move if Red Bull’s internal politics turned sour.
Now, both Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli are confirmed through 2026, and the 26-year-old says stability is key. “We have a plan, and the team knows what we’re building toward. That’s my focus — winning with Mercedes.”
Not afraid of Verstappen
Asked whether he would fear Verstappen as a teammate, Russell grinned. “I’ve already raced alongside the greatest of all time, statistically. I’m not scared of anyone. If Max came here, I’d welcome it — I want to race the best.”
Russell hinted that his contract likely keeps him in place until 2027. “If I perform, I stay,” he said. “It’s that simple.”
As Formula 1 looks toward new 2026 regulations, speculation will return, but for now Russell has made his point clear: the Mercedes seat is his to keep.
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