Apr.3 (GMM) George Russell on Thursday insisted he’s “not nervous 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 extensively believed that if Mercedes did must make room for Verstappen, Wolff would choose to maintain his 18-year-old protege Kimi Antonelli.
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, nevertheless, doesn’t agree with that.
“If Max had been to go to Mercedes, the younger Antonelli, who has been performing brilliantly to this point, would in all probability must go,” he instructed Blick newspaper this week.
Russell, at the moment third total within the 2025 standings, insisted at Suzuka that he hasn’t been following the most recent rumours.
“I don’t comply with the press or what’s written on social media, however simply this morning somebody instructed me that Toto has spoken very extremely of my work,” he stated.
“It’s good to listen to, however I already know that he helps me and believes in me. What’s most vital is what occurs throughout the crew, not in the remainder of the world.”
Each Wolff and Russell just lately stated the British driver’s contract negotiations can be held at bay for now.
“I’m not nervous in any respect about it,” Russell stated. “I simply consider in myself. The whole lot can change in a short time in Components 1, however the primary factor is all the time outcomes, so on this regard the whole lot is ok.
“For those who keep in mind earlier contracts, then often 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.”
