F1 news: George Russell declares his ‘future’ lies at Mercedes as Max Verstappen rumors persist
One of the main titles entering the British Formula 1 Grand Prix focused on the status of the contract of two drivers: George Russell at Mercedes and Max Verstappen in Red Bull. With Russell without contract for next season and Language Red Bull in the classification of the manufacturers’ championship, the week started with Sky Sports Italy Connect Verstappen to a visit to Mercedes, noting that the talks “intensified”.
Luckily, Russell was one of the six pilots selected for FIA press conferences at the British Grand Prix.
Speaking in this session Thursday, the current Mercedes driver said that his “future” resides in Mercedes, and he does not plan to drive for another team next season.
“I want to continue with Mercedes in the future. The fact is that Toto has never dropped me. He always gave me his word, but he must also do what is good for his team, which includes me, but that also understands the thousands of people working for Mercedes,” said Russell on Thursday.
While speculation maintains that Verstappen would replace Russell to Mercedes, the British driver said that he would be willing to drive alongside Verstappen. The two clashed on the track in recent months, including an incident in the last stages of the Spanish Grand Prix where Verstappen led to Russell after returning the Mercedes driver.
“For me, it’s nothing to fear because I don’t think I’m going to go anywhere. And who will be my teammate, that doesn’t concern me either,” added Russell.
“Each team has two seats available and it is normal for each team to envisage what the future has in store for us, and I do not take this personally because I specified from the start that I am happy to be teammates with anyone,” Russell continued. “So, of course, there are a lot of conversations, a lot of rumors and all this is pointed out towards me, but for my part, this will not really be the case.”
Russell said that other teams have contacted him, but with Mercedes as a manager, which complicates things.
However, the driver thinks that his future is in money.
“All the teams that have stood my hand in the past, I said:” I am faithful to Mercedes, that’s where my future is “. And finally, Mercedes is my managers, so he must be treated by Mercedes in the first place,” said Russell. “There was no lack of interest,” let’s say. But I was focused on my side. I am faithful to Mercedes.
“In the end, everything will take place and the probability that I am not at Mercedes next year, I think it’s exceptionally weak.”
