P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell has recognised Mercedes’ talks with Max Verstappen wouldn’t have been restricted to contact about a move to the team in F1 for 2026 alone.
George Russell has acknowledged that Mercedes’ discussions with Max Verstappen were not limited to talks about a potential move to the team only for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Russell’s contract renewal with Mercedes is seen as a waiting game, following Toto Wolff’s statement that he will stay with the team beyond the current season. Speculation had arisen regarding Russell’s future after he revealed Mercedes’ talks with Verstappen. Mercedes is believed to be preparing for a possible vacancy in 2027, influencing negotiations with Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Russell remains calm amid the contractual saga, citing Mercedes’ long-term planning and his strong performance in the current season as reasons for not worrying about losing his seat.
