George Russell mentioned Mercedes stay in talks with Max Verstappen as he laughed off the suggestion that the Silver Arrows revealed discussions with the Dutchman to use stress to Purple Bull as a “hell of a conspiracy”.
Russell reignited hypothesis over Verstappen’s future with Purple Bull when he informed Sky Sports activities F1 at June’s Austrian Grand Prix that his personal contract extension was being delayed by Mercedes’ pursuit of the four-time reigning world champion, earlier than workforce boss Toto Wolff confirmed conversations had been ongoing.
Following the subsequent spherical of the 2025 season at Silverstone in July, Christian Horner was sacked as Purple Bull workforce principal and chief government, with hypothesis following that the choice had been made to spice up the Milton Keynes squad’s hopes of conserving Verstappen.
Talking publicly for the primary time since Horner’s sacking, forward of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Wolff performed down the opportunity of Verstappen becoming a member of Mercedes subsequent season and mentioned he expects Russell and team-mate Kimi Antonelli to proceed for 2026.
Requested whether or not revealing the talks had been a part of a Mercedes ploy, Russell replied: “That’s a hell of a conspiracy!”
On his revelation of Mercedes’ talks with Verstappen, Russell continued: “They had been and they’re, that is high quality. All people talks.
“There are long-term futures at play as properly. For drivers, the groups should not simply interested by one 12 months in entrance, you are interested by two, three, 4, 5 years forward.
“These items come round in a short time. I do know so long as I carry out, I’ve received nothing to fret about, and that does not imply that I am staying or I am not or no matter goes to occur.
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Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda reveal former Purple Bull Crew Principal Christian Horner has been in touch with them forward of the Belgian GP
“It’s been an interesting time for me these last couple of months in how I sort of process everything that has been ongoing.
“I’ve determined now to only not fear about it in any way as a result of I do know so long as I drive quick on monitor, that is a very powerful factor, so what will likely be will likely be.”
Russell: The information recommend my job is protected
Russell has had a high quality first half of the season, claiming a victory and 4 additional podiums regardless of Mercedes having been nowhere close to the tempo of the dominant McLaren, and sometimes additionally trailing Ferrari and Verstappen’s Purple Bull.
He has comprehensively outperformed his rookie team-mate Antonelli, with Russell – fourth within the drivers’ standings – 84 factors away from the Italian teenager.
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Talking to Sky Sports activities, George Russell admits it is regular for Mercedes to have chats with different drivers, however is unconcerned following his robust efficiency this season
He added: “It’s not really having any impact on me whatsoever. I don’t lose any sleep over it, I don’t really think about it, because as I’ve always said the best thing you can do is drive fast on track.
“Clearly, we’re speaking within the background. There’s nothing for me to be involved about in any way, however there’s nothing to announce.
“The situation we find ourselves in now, I don’t think, is abnormal. From my side, there is no tension because there’s two cars to every team.
“I am performing the very best I’ve ever carried out. I’ve nearly all of the factors for the workforce. So, for those who take a look at the information, you’ll argue my job is protected.
“That’s why I’m not concerned at all. If I stop performing, maybe I need to be concerned, but I need to be more concerned about my performance, not about my future.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s dwell Belgian GP schedule
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Look again at among the most dramatic moments all through the years on the Belgian Grand Prix
Friday July 25
7.55am: F3 Observe
9.05am: F2 Observe
11am: Belgian GP Observe One (session begins at 11.30am)
12.55pm: F3 Qualifying
1.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3pm: Belgian GP Dash Qualifying (session begins at 3.30pm)
Saturday July 26
8.10am: F3 Dash
10am: Belgian GP Dash (lights out at 11am)
12.20pm: Ted’s Dash Pocket book
12.40pm: F2 Dash
2pm: Belgian GP Qualifying (session begins at 3pm)
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book
Sunday July 27
7.25am: F3 Characteristic Race
8.55am: F2 Characteristic Race
10.40am: Porsche Supercup Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Belgian GP build-up*
2pm: THE BELGIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered flag: Belgian GP response*
5pm: Ted’s Pocket book
*additionally dwell on Sky Sports activities Most important Occasion
The 2025 Components 1 season resumes this weekend with the Belgian Grand Prix because the Dash format returns, dwell on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime.
