The 2025 System 1 season is in full swing, however as is ever the case in motorsport the driving force switch marketplace for the upcoming marketing campaign is heating up. A number of drivers are with no contract for the 2026 marketing campaign, when Cadillac is about to hitch the grid because the eleventh F1 staff, and rumors are gaining momentum because the temperatures rise.
A type of drivers with no contract? None apart from F1’s newest race winner, George Russell.
Each Russell and his Mercedes teammate, rookie Kimi Antonelli, are below contract by the 2025 season. Nonetheless, to listen to Russell clarify the state of affairs after his win on the Canadian Grand Prix, he’s “loyal to Mercedes” and isn’t “involved” about his contract standing for subsequent season.
“[A]s I’ve mentioned many occasions, I’m not involved in any respect about subsequent yr,” mentioned Russell when requested about his contract standing following his win in Montreal. “I do know I’m going to be on the grid subsequent yr. I really feel that I’m driving higher than ever. I nonetheless really feel I’ve acquired extra within the tank.
“I really feel able to battle for a world championship, and I feel outcomes like as we speak, outcomes like Bahrain this yr once we acquired half an opportunity of consequence, we’re there to take it. And I’m fairly relaxed. Simply having fun with the second, having fun with my racing, and simply taking it week by week.”
Rumors have continued a few spot at Mercedes for Max Verstappen, ever since Lewis Hamilton introduced his intention to depart the staff for Ferrari this season. In response to latest reporting from Autosport Verstappen, who sits third within the F1 Drivers’ Championship standings, has a clause in his contract that enables him to depart the staff if he isn’t within the high 4 by the tip of June.
Russell indicated in Montreal that any staff could be sensible to be fascinated with Verstappen.
“There haven’t been any onerous emotions with any of the talks which were going round, particularly round Max,” mentioned Russell. “As a result of, like I mentioned on quite a few occasions, why wouldn’t groups be fascinated with Max? If each driver had no contracts for subsequent yr, Max could be primary for each single staff.”
There have additionally been rumors that Russell has been approached for a possible transfer of his personal, maybe to Aston Martin. Nonetheless, the Mercedes driver brushed apart these experiences, making it clear his intention is to remain proper the place he’s.
“No. I’m not speaking with anyone else and any groups who’ve proven curiosity, I’ve been fairly open to say my intentions are to stick with Mercedes, added Russell. “That’s at all times been clear. And I’m loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this opportunity to get into System 1.”
In the long run, Russell believes that with himself and Antonelli, Mercedes has factor going. He presently sits fourth within the Drivers’ Championship standings, with 4 podiums along with his win on the Canadian Grand Prix. Antonelli secured his first podium in Montreal, turning into the third-youngest podium finisher within the sport’s historical past, behind Lance Stroll and Verstappen himself.
“However in the end, there are two seats for each race staff. I knew if I proceed to carry out as I’m doing, my place wouldn’t be below risk by any means. So, I really feel in place,” added Russell.
“We’re in no rush to do contract negotiations. We need to win collectively. Particularly Kimi and I being team-mates now – we’re getting a consequence like as we speak, each junior drivers from Mercedes, we’re each doing the job when it comes to efficiency,” continued Russell.
“Why would you need to change one thing that’s working?”