George Russell dismisses Verstappen Mercedes rumours, says new contract likely ‘in next couple of weeks'
The 27-year-old Briton, who earlier this week took delivery of a Mercedes AMG ONE supercar valued at $2.7 million (2.3 million euro), was in a relaxed mood at a news conference ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix.
'There are a lot of conversations behind the scenes that are not public, not broadcast, and I know where their loyalty lies,' he told reporters.
'It doesn't need to be public and it doesn't need to be broadcast to everybody.
'We've obviously spoken a little bit more over the last week because there are numerous news articles and whatnot out there. In all honesty, it doesn't really change anything on my side.
'Obviously there's a lot of questions about it, but the more we speak or the less we speak about it, nothing really changes. It'll happen when the time is right. I expect probably in the next couple of weeks, probably, something to happen.'
He reiterated his view that his results and performances will determine his future whether or not four-time champion Verstappen has accepted an offer from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff as reported by Sky Sport Italia.
'I have quite a thick skin and I don't really read much news or listen to rumours,' he said.
'I just focus on the facts and on driving. I said it at the start of the year: -- you can have a contract, but if you don't perform, you're out.'
Russell said he has not approached any other team for a seat for 2026.
'Every team has two spots available and it's normal for every team to think about what the future holds. I don't take it personally, because I've made it clear from the beginning that I'd like to be the team-mate of anyone.
'I want to stay with Mercedes in the future. Fact is, Toto has never let me down. He always keeps his word, but he also needs to do what's right for his team and that applies to the thousands of people working at Mercedes.
'For me, there's nothing to worry about because I don't think I'm going anywhere and whoever my team-mate is I don't care. So, I just focus on driving.'
Mercedes' interest in Verstappen comes as F1 prepares for a change of technical regulations that will affect cars and engines next season.
Mercedes are widely believed to be better-prepared for the new rules than their rivals including Red Bull whose recent performances have left Verstappen frustrated as his bid for a fifth title peters out. — AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- Malay Mail
George Russell dismisses Verstappen Mercedes rumours, says new contract likely ‘in next couple of weeks'
LONDON, July 4 — George Russell yesterday shrugged aside reports that he is set to be replaced at Mercedes by arch-rival Max Verstappen of Red Bull, saying he expects to sign a new Silver Arrows contract in 'the next couple of weeks'. The 27-year-old Briton, who earlier this week took delivery of a Mercedes AMG ONE supercar valued at $2.7 million (2.3 million euro), was in a relaxed mood at a news conference ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix. 'There are a lot of conversations behind the scenes that are not public, not broadcast, and I know where their loyalty lies,' he told reporters. 'It doesn't need to be public and it doesn't need to be broadcast to everybody. 'We've obviously spoken a little bit more over the last week because there are numerous news articles and whatnot out there. In all honesty, it doesn't really change anything on my side. 'Obviously there's a lot of questions about it, but the more we speak or the less we speak about it, nothing really changes. It'll happen when the time is right. I expect probably in the next couple of weeks, probably, something to happen.' He reiterated his view that his results and performances will determine his future whether or not four-time champion Verstappen has accepted an offer from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff as reported by Sky Sport Italia. 'I have quite a thick skin and I don't really read much news or listen to rumours,' he said. 'I just focus on the facts and on driving. I said it at the start of the year: -- you can have a contract, but if you don't perform, you're out.' Russell said he has not approached any other team for a seat for 2026. 'Every team has two spots available and it's normal for every team to think about what the future holds. I don't take it personally, because I've made it clear from the beginning that I'd like to be the team-mate of anyone. 'I want to stay with Mercedes in the future. Fact is, Toto has never let me down. He always keeps his word, but he also needs to do what's right for his team and that applies to the thousands of people working at Mercedes. 'For me, there's nothing to worry about because I don't think I'm going anywhere and whoever my team-mate is I don't care. So, I just focus on driving.' Mercedes' interest in Verstappen comes as F1 prepares for a change of technical regulations that will affect cars and engines next season. Mercedes are widely believed to be better-prepared for the new rules than their rivals including Red Bull whose recent performances have left Verstappen frustrated as his bid for a fifth title peters out. — AFP
Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Djokovic eyes record 25th Grand Slam after demolishing Evans to notch 99th Wimbledon victory
LONDON, July 4 — Novak Djokovic stepped up his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title as he moved into the Wimbledon third round with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 rout of British wildcard Dan Evans yesterday. Djokovic needed just one hour and 47 minutes to dispatch Evans with a ruthless display in the second round on Centre Court. The sixth seed struggled with stomach issues in his four-set win against Alexandre Muller, praising the 'miracle pills' he took during the first round for his strong recovery. There were no lingering effects for the seven-time Wimbledon champion as he overwhelmed Evans with 46 winners. 'It means I've been playing quite a long time!' Djokovic said when told he had just secured his 99th Wimbledon match victory. 'I still enjoy it. This court has given me so much. Wimbledon has a special place in my heart. Any history made here is obviously extra special.' Djokovic is dreaming of putting an exclamation point on his incredible career by becoming the most successful singles player in tennis history. The 38-year-old has been tied with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles since winning his most recent major prize at the 2023 US Open. And despite losing the last two Wimbledon finals against Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic believes the lawns of south-west London provide his best chance to win that elusive 25th major. 'I'm aware of the history on the line. I'm thinking about the big things I can do in this tournament,' he said. 'I don't reflect on it for now. I think that will come when I sip a margarita on the beach with (Roger) Federer and (Rafael) Nadal!' After losing to top seed Jannik Sinner in the recent French Open semi-finals, Djokovic is in the unusual position of no longer being regarded as the Wimbledon title favourite, having failed to make the championship match in his previous three Grand Slam appearances. Djokovic, who won his 100th tour-level title in May in Geneva, has been dogged by questions about when he will retire since fulfilling his long-held desire for Olympic singles gold in Paris last year. But he would draw level on a record eight men's Wimbledon singles titles with Federer if he wins the grass-court event for the first time since 2022, and on this evidence he is in the mood to make history at his favourite tournament. Evans, 35, had won his only previous meeting with Djokovic on clay in Monte Carlo four years ago and the Serb claimed he was the kind of tricky opponent he would have preferred to avoid. But Djokovic had never lost a Grand Slam match to a player ranked as low as world number 154 Evans and he wasn't about to make unwanted history. 'I knew it would be a special atmosphere on Centre Court. A Brit in Britain is always hard to face,' Djokovic said. 'Technically and tactically I knew exactly what I wanted to do and I executed perfectly. Sometimes you have these kind of days when everything goes your way.' — AFP
Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Novak Djokovic eyes record 25th Grand Slam after demolishing Evans to notch 99th Wimbledon victory
LONDON, July 4 — Novak Djokovic stepped up his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title as he moved into the Wimbledon third round with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 rout of British wildcard Dan Evans yesterday. Djokovic needed just one hour and 47 minutes to dispatch Evans with a ruthless display in the second round on Centre Court. The sixth seed struggled with stomach issues in his four-set win against Alexandre Muller, praising the 'miracle pills' he took during the first round for his strong recovery. There were no lingering effects for the seven-time Wimbledon champion as he overwhelmed Evans with 46 winners. 'It means I've been playing quite a long time!' Djokovic said when told he had just secured his 99th Wimbledon match victory. 'I still enjoy it. This court has given me so much. Wimbledon has a special place in my heart. Any history made here is obviously extra special.' Djokovic is dreaming of putting an exclamation point on his incredible career by becoming the most successful singles player in tennis history. The 38-year-old has been tied with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles since winning his most recent major prize at the 2023 US Open. And despite losing the last two Wimbledon finals against Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic believes the lawns of south-west London provide his best chance to win that elusive 25th major. 'I'm aware of the history on the line. I'm thinking about the big things I can do in this tournament,' he said. 'I don't reflect on it for now. I think that will come when I sip a margarita on the beach with (Roger) Federer and (Rafael) Nadal!' After losing to top seed Jannik Sinner in the recent French Open semi-finals, Djokovic is in the unusual position of no longer being regarded as the Wimbledon title favourite, having failed to make the championship match in his previous three Grand Slam appearances. Djokovic, who won his 100th tour-level title in May in Geneva, has been dogged by questions about when he will retire since fulfilling his long-held desire for Olympic singles gold in Paris last year. But he would draw level on a record eight men's Wimbledon singles titles with Federer if he wins the grass-court event for the first time since 2022, and on this evidence he is in the mood to make history at his favourite tournament. Evans, 35, had won his only previous meeting with Djokovic on clay in Monte Carlo four years ago and the Serb claimed he was the kind of tricky opponent he would have preferred to avoid. But Djokovic had never lost a Grand Slam match to a player ranked as low as world number 154 Evans and he wasn't about to make unwanted history. 'I knew it would be a special atmosphere on Centre Court. A Brit in Britain is always hard to face,' Djokovic said. 'Technically and tactically I knew exactly what I wanted to do and I executed perfectly. Sometimes you have these kind of days when everything goes your way.' — AFP
