P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell has expressed optimism that he will remain on the F1 grid in 2026, even in the circumstance where he doesn’t receive a new deal at Mercedes.
George Russell remains optimistic about staying in Formula 1 in 2026, even if he doesn’t secure a new deal with Mercedes. Despite no progress in contract talks with Mercedes, Russell is not worried about losing his seat, especially with rumors of Mercedes negotiating with Max Verstappen. While confident in his abilities and potential alternatives, Russell remains loyal to Mercedes and expects talks to progress over the next few weeks. He anticipates a resolution soon, without setting a specific deadline, trusting that everything will work out in his favor. Lewis Hamilton also supports a potential move for Max Verstappen to Mercedes, adding to the speculation surrounding the team’s driver lineup.
