P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell says speculation over his F1 future has been blown out of proportion, insisting there’s “a lot more hype externally than there is internally” as Mercedes continues to weigh up its 2026 line-up.
George Russell downplays speculation about his Formula 1 future with Mercedes, emphasizing that there is more external hype than internal concern within the team as they consider their 2026 lineup. Despite triggering rumors of his possible departure by discussing talks with Max Verstappen, Russell remains calm, highlighting his strong performance and positive mindset. The uncertainty surrounding his contract situation, along with teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s, has lingered, but Russell maintains his focus on racing and performance rather than stressing over his future. He acknowledges ongoing discussions about a contract extension but stresses that he feels content and at peace with the situation, choosing not to rush into any decisions. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has publicly expressed a desire to retain Russell and Antonelli, deeming it a “top priority,” although Russell appreciates the sentiment while asserting that he solely focuses on his own performance to secure his seat. Despite the external attention and rumors, Russell remains confident in his abilities and his value to the team, suggesting that his future with Mercedes is ultimately determined by his on-track performance and not external assurances.
