The 2025 Formula 1 season is in full swing, but as is ever the case in motorsport the driver transfer market for the upcoming campaign is heating up. Several drivers are without a contract for the 2026 campaign, when Cadillac is set to join the grid as the 11th F1 team, and rumors are gaining momentum as the temperatures rise.
One of those drivers without a contract? None other than F1’s latest race winner, George Russell.
Both Russell and his Mercedes teammate, rookie Kimi Antonelli, are under contract through the 2025 season. However, to hear Russell explain the situation after his win at the Canadian Grand Prix, he is “loyal to Mercedes” and is not “concerned” about his contract status for next season.
“[A]s I’ve said many times, I’m not concerned at all about next year,” said Russell when asked about his contract status following his win in Montreal. “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, and I think results like today, results like Bahrain this year when we got half a chance of a good result, we’re there to take it. And I’m pretty relaxed. Just enjoying the moment, enjoying my racing, and just taking it week by week.”
Rumors have persisted about a spot at Mercedes for Max Verstappen, ever since Lewis Hamilton announced his intention to leave the team for Ferrari this season. According to recent reporting from Autosport Verstappen, who sits third in the F1 Drivers’ Championship standings, has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave the team if he is not in the top four by the end of June.
Russell indicated in Montreal that any team would be smart to be interested in Verstappen.
“There haven’t been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, especially around Max,” said Russell. “Because, like I said on 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.”
There have also been rumors that Russell has been approached for a potential move of his own, perhaps to Aston Martin. However, the Mercedes driver brushed aside those reports, making it clear his intention is to stay right where he is.
“No. 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, added Russell. “That’s always been clear. And I am loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this chance to get into Formula 1.”
In the end, Russell believes that with himself and Antonelli, Mercedes has a good thing going. He currently sits fourth in the Drivers’ Championship standings, with four podiums in addition to his win at the Canadian Grand Prix. Antonelli secured his first podium in Montreal, becoming the third-youngest podium finisher in the sport’s history, behind Lance Stroll and Verstappen himself.
“But 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,” added Russell.
“We’re in no rush to do contract negotiations. We want to win together. Especially 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,” continued Russell.
“Why would you want to change something that’s working?”
