Apr.3 (GMM) George Russell on Thursday insisted he’s “not apprehensive in any respect” about his forthcoming contract negotiations.
Max Verstappen is more and more linked with a transfer to Mercedes for the brand new guidelines period starting in 2026.
Regardless of Russell’s excellent present type, hailed by crew boss Toto Wolff, it’s broadly believed that if Mercedes did must make room for Verstappen, Wolff would decide to maintain his 18-year-old protege Kimi Antonelli.
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, nonetheless, doesn’t agree with that.
“If Max have been to go to Mercedes, the younger Antonelli, who has been performing brilliantly thus far, would in all probability must go,” he advised Blick newspaper this week.
Russell, at the moment third general within the 2025 standings, insisted at Suzuka that he hasn’t been following the newest rumours.
“I don’t comply with the press or what’s written on social media, however simply this morning somebody advised me that Toto has spoken very extremely of my work,” he mentioned.
“It’s good to listen to, however I already know that he helps me and believes in me. What’s most essential is what occurs inside the crew, not in the remainder of the world.”
Each Wolff and Russell just lately mentioned the British driver’s contract negotiations could be held at bay for now.
“I’m not apprehensive in any respect about it,” Russell mentioned. “I simply imagine in myself. Every part can change in a short time in Formulation 1, however the primary factor is at all times outcomes, so on this regard all the pieces is ok.
“Should you bear in mind earlier contracts, then normally it takes Toto and me not more than a day. So on my half there’s no rush and I don’t really feel any stress.”
