Apr.3 (GMM) George Russell on Thursday insisted he’s “not frightened 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 kind, hailed by workforce boss Toto Wolff, it’s broadly believed that if Mercedes did should make room for Verstappen, Wolff would choose to maintain his 18-year-old protege Kimi Antonelli.
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, nonetheless, doesn’t agree with that.
“If Max had been to go to Mercedes, the younger Antonelli, who has been performing brilliantly up to now, would most likely should go,” he informed Blick newspaper this week.
Russell, at the moment third total within the 2025 standings, insisted at Suzuka that he hasn’t been following the newest rumours.
“I don’t observe the press or what’s written on social media, however simply this morning somebody informed 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 essential is what occurs throughout the workforce, not in the remainder of the world.”
Each Wolff and Russell just lately stated the British driver’s contract negotiations could be held at bay for now.
“I’m not frightened in any respect about it,” Russell stated. “I simply imagine in myself. Every little thing can change in a short time in System 1, however the principle factor is all the time outcomes, so on this regard every little thing is ok.
“When you bear 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 strain.”
