George Russell claims he's set for Mercedes deal as he reveals what he'll do if Max Verstappen becomes his F1 team-mate
The Brit, 27, is out of contract next year and his boss
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George Russell has rubbished speculation that he could be replaced at Mercedes by Max Verstappen
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Verstappen has held talks with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff about a move
Credit: Getty
But SunSport understands a new offer will be presented to Russell before next month's Belgium Grand Prix.
Russell believes that team-mate Kimi Antonelli would be the driver to make way for Verstappen in the unlikely event that the Dutchman is to leave Red Bull for Mercedes.
Ahead of Sunday's British GP at Silverstone, Russell said: 'I want to continue with Mercedes into the future. Toto has never let me down, has always given me his word.
'He's also got to do what's right for his team, which includes me and the thousands of people who work for Mercedes.
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'For me it's nothing to worry about, as I don't think I'll be going anywhere, and whoever my team-mate is doesn't concern me either, so I'll just focus on the driving.
'It'll happen when the time is right. I expect in the next couple of weeks. But we'll need to wait and see.
'There hasn't been a lack of interest, let's say. But I've been focused on my side, I am loyal to Mercedes.
'The likelihood I'm not at Mercedes next year is exceptionally low.'
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There had been talk of Verstappen taking a year out from F1, as well as being linked with Mercedes and Aston Martin.
He became a new dad in May and has been dipping his toes in other areas of motorsport like GT3.
Max Verstappen OUT of Austrian Grand Prix following pile-up on second lap and Sainz's car catching fire
But Verstappen, 27, who denied he would take an F1 sabbatical, said: 'I'll race F1 for sure and I'll try, in the future, to combine it with any kind of other racing that is possible, that I can prepare for.
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'I do want to explore a bit out of F1 which I'm already doing with testing, but eventually also racing.'
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