George Russell is not losing any sleep over his position with Mercedes, even as rumors regarding his Formula 1 future swirl.
In recent weeks, speculation over Max Verstappen making a shocking move from Red Bull to Mercedes has dominated the paddock, but there has been a noticeable shift in the conversation over the past few days, which might explain Russell’s line of thinking. Speaking with Austrian outlet ORF earlier this week, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff indicated that the “priority” for the team is to have Russell and Kimi Antonelli in the car next season, and when Russell met with the media Thursday ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, the driver outlined how he is not losing any sleep over his contract status.
“It’s not really having any impact on me whatsoever,” said Russell when asked about the contract situation, as he remains unsigned for 2026.
“I don’t lose any sleep over it, I don’t really think about it because as I’ve always said, the best thing you can do is drive fast on track. Obviously we are talking in the background, there’s nothing for me to be concerned about but there’s nothing to announce.”
Russell is enjoying a strong season with Mercedes, as he enters this week’s Belgian Grand Prix sitting fourth in the F1 Drivers’ Championship standings, just 18 points behind Verstappen. He has five podium finishes this season and took the win at the Canadian Grand Prix last month.
That also likely gives the driver peace of mind.
“I’m not really exploring options at the moment. Obviously I’m sort of managed and controlled by Mercedes so ultimately they’re in control of my destiny but I’m performing, I’m doing the job, have the majority of the points for the team so they want me as much as I want them. There’s a lot been blown up in the media, I’m not even thinking about it really because I know everything will work itself out in due course,” added Russell.
“[It] feels like everyone is more worried about my future than myself to be honest. I’ve got nothing to worry about, I know there will be a space for me in F1 one way or another next season. I’ve got no doubt about that.”
His comments come as rumors continue to swirl about his status with Mercedes. Today alone, German outlet AMuS reported that Russell is nearing an extension with Mercedes, and that a breakthrough was reached during the two-week hiatus between the British Grand Prix and this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.
However, Erik van Haren, an F1 insider and noted Verstappen whisperer, reported in the Telegraf that the door is still open for Verstappen to make a move to Mercedes for 2026.
At some point, perhaps shortly, we’ll know for sure.
Until then, however, it seems Russell will sleep soundly.
