George Russell breaks silence on rumors of being at risk of losing Mercedes seat to Max Verstappen

George Russell recently addressed rumors of being potentially in danger of losing his Mercedes seat to Max Verstappen in 2026.

George Russell breaks silence on rumors of being at risk of losing Mercedes seat to Max Verstappen

George Russell and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

George Russell was promoted to Mercedes in 2022 to partner Lewis Hamilton. Now, with Hamilton’s switch to Scuderia Ferrari for 2025, Kimi Antonelli will be joining the Silver Arrows. However, rumors have suggested that Russell could be forced out of the team in 2026 if Max Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull.

After Hamilton’s Ferrari announcement, Mercedes expressed its interest in potentially signing Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver decided to continue his tenure at Red Bull for 2025. Though, Nico Rosberg recently reckoned that Russell could lose his seat if Verstappen did decide to look for a new team in 2026.

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George Russell revealed that he has not had any conversations with Mercedes regarding such a possibility. The Briton highlighted that he is even managed by the Silver Arrows. So far, both parties have agreed to continue together for the indefinite future.

It's something we have not spoken about at all, to be honest. I have been with this team for so, so long. I am managed by Mercedes, and we've always said that we will be continuing together for the indefinite future. 
George Russell said via RacingNews365.

George Russell not focused on ‘entertaining rumors’

The British driver highlighted that they was a lot of speculation in the media which was entertaining to read. However, George Russell made it clear that he was simply not focused on such rumors at all. Russell insisted that he was solely focused on driving.

George Russell
George Russell (via IMAGO)
There are a lot of conversations going on which are quite entertaining to read, but from my side, I'm not focused on any of that. I'm just focused on my driving.
George Russell stated

Certainly, George Russell seems to be unbothered by the speculation in the F1 paddock. However, the British driver knows that he will need to perform at his best throughout 2024 and 2025 to solidify his place at Mercedes for the long-term.

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