Mercedes responds to 'Aston Martin approaching George Russell' reports

Mercedes is in no hurry to decide George Russell’s future beyond 2025, according to the team’s Head of Communications, Bradley Lord. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, Lord emphasized that the team’s current priority is improving on-track performance rather than resolving driver contracts.

Russell’s current deal with Mercedes expires at the end of the 2025 season. In recent months, speculation has mounted over the Briton’s future, with reports suggesting potential interest from rival teams. According to The Times, Russell has been linked to Aston Martin, while earlier in the year, he was spotted visiting McLaren CEO Zak Brown in the team’s motorhome during the Australian Grand Prix. In April, rumors also emerged of an informal discussion with Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner regarding potential seat availability.

Despite the chatter, Mercedes remains measured in their approach. Lord stated that the team would not rush into extending Russell’s contract. A long-time member of the Mercedes family, Russell progressed through the ranks from Formula 3 to Formula 2, then to Mercedes customer team Williams before earning his current seat. Lord suggested that Team Principal Toto Wolff would take the necessary time before making any decisions about the 27-year-old’s future.

Asked about the speculation linking George Russell to Aston Martin, the Mercedes Head of Communications said:

“We’re under no rush. We manage George’s career, as well as being the team that he drives for at the moment, but we know there’s no pressure. He’s fully focused on, how do we perform in this triple header? How do we keep the car moving forward? Then at the right time, he and Toto will sit down and, as they always say, it doesn’t take terribly long to thrash these things out. That hasn’t happened yet, but certainly will in the, you know, weeks and months ahead.”

On the other hand, George Russell admitted his uncertainty over his future at the Brackley-based outfit.

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George Russell admits uncertainty over future at Mercedes

George Russell admitted that his future at Mercedes remains uncertain as he enters his final contract year with the team. The British driver, who would be signing his fifth year at Brackley if he stays, stressed that consistent performance and competitive results are the only guarantees for securing his future.

He pointed to examples such as Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, who, after early success, ultimately stagnated with just two and four titles, respectively. For now, Russell believes that his future with Mercedes is far from assured.

Speaking to Motorsport Total about his future at Mercedes being secure, George Russell said:

“No, it's not safe. Nothing is certain. But if I stay with Mercedes, next year will be my fifth year with the team. Nobody knows when their time will come. You just have to make sure that you keep performing consistently, keep delivering. And what happens then - only time will tell.”

"Look at Fernando [Alonso]: He comes in, wins two titles in his first four years - and people say, 'He's going to get ten’. He hasn't won a title since. Or Sebastian [Vettel]: He wins four - and then no more. If you look at Michael Schumacher, it took him five years at Ferrari before he won his first title there. This is now my fourth year at Mercedes, next year will be my fifth,” he added.

George Russell currently sits fourth in the drivers’ standings with 111 points, trailing Max Verstappen by 26 points in the fight for third. The Briton holds a commanding 63-point advantage over his rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli and has consistently outperformed him across every race weekend so far.

Russell has also edged out his former Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, who sits sixth in the championship with 71 points. Emerging as the fourth-strongest driver on the grid this season, Russell has delivered a notably consistent campaign for Mercedes.