George Russell says he hasn’t opened talks with rival teams despite not having secured a contract extension to remain at Mercedes next year.
However he said that scoring his first victory of the season last weekend “doesn’t hurt” when it comes to seeking a new deal.
“It doesn’t hurt at all, but as I’ve said many times, I’m not concerned at all about next year,” said the Canadian Grand Prix winner on Sunday. “I know I’m going to be on the grid next year.
“I feel that I’m driving better than ever. I still feel I’ve got more in the tank. I feel ready to fight for a world championship. Results like today, results like Bahrain this year when we got half a chance of a good result, we’re there to take them.
“I’m pretty relaxed. Just enjoying the moment, enjoying my racing, and just taking it week by week.”
Amid speculation over how well Red Bull will adapt to next year’s new regulations, when it will also compete with its own power unit for the first time, Max Verstappen has been linked to Russell’s seat. Verstappen already has a deal with his current team until 2028.
However Russell said he has told any teams which have approached him he intends to stay loyal to Mercedes.
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“I’m not talking with anybody else and any teams who have shown interest, I have been quite open to say my intentions are to stay with Mercedes,” he said. “That’s always been clear.
“I am loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this chance to get into Formula 1. There haven’t been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, especially around Max.
“Because, like I said numerous times, why wouldn’t teams be interested in Max? If every driver had no contracts for next year, Max would be number one for every single team. And that’s understandable.”
Mercedes scored their best result of the season so far last weekend, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli joining Russell on the podium in third place. Russell said Mercedes shouldn’t want to change a successful partnership.
“Ultimately, there are two seats for every race team. I knew if I continue to perform as I’m doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever. So, I feel in a good place. We’re in no rush to do contract negotiations. We want to win together.
“Especially with Kimi and I being team mates now – we’re getting a result like today, both junior drivers from Mercedes, we’re both doing the job in terms of performance. Why would you want to change something that’s working?”
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2025 Canadian Grand Prix
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