George Russell speaks of threats over his seat as Toto Wolff flirted with Max Verstappen

George Russell revealed he was never afraid of losing his racing seat as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff flirted with the idea of ​​signing Max Verstappen over the 2025 summer break. The Briton also admitted the German team was simply looking to sign the best driver on the F1 grid at the moment.

Since Toto Wolff was interested in bringing Max Verstappen According to Mercedes, first released in 2025, George Russell claimed he would understand why the team would want to sign the Dutchman. However, he does not fear that this will come at his expense.

Speaking recently, Russell once again reiterated that he never felt threatened by the idea of ​​Verstappen moving to Mercedes, even if he is to be his teammate.

“I’ve never been afraid of losing my seat. As a team you want the best driver duo possible. Verstappen is currently the best driver on the grid,” Russell said. [via Auto Motor and Sport on Monday]

Presenting himself as the best on the grid alongside the 4x world champion, he added:

“No matter where you put the two best together, a showdown is inevitable sooner or later. But a team like the one Mercedes had with Lewis and Valtteri is perfect.”

George Russell has signed a new contract with Mercedes, which would last until the end of the 2026 season, with an option to extend for another year. His teammate Kimi Antonelli also signed a similar agreement. This means Brackley’s doors potentially remain open for Max Verstappen in 2027.

As things stand, the hierarchy heading into the new regulatory era remains unknown. If Mercedes is indeed the faster package, as has been widely reported, this could become an attractive prospect for many drivers on the grid.

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George Russell outlines F1’s new regulatory era which begins in 2026

George Russell has explained that F1’s 2026 regulations are closer to the turbo-hybrid era which lasted from 2014 to 2021, a period dominated by Mercedes. He also claimed that he was not yet ready to invest all his money in the Silver Arrows.

Speaking about whether Mercedes could be the fastest car in 2026, Russell said:

“I’d be a fool to say I’m putting all my money on Mercedes. Next year’s aerodynamic regulations are closer to what we had in the previous era, when Mercedes dominated the field.”

Added to this is his confidence in the engine.

“Mercedes has been the benchmark in this area for many years,” added Wilson.

Mercedes is expected to supply powertrains to four teams in 2026, including its own factory team. Ferrari will support three teams, while Red Bull Powertrains will provide engines for its two entrants. Audi will join the grid as a new engine manufacturer, while Renault will leave the sport as a manufacturer.

The 2026 F1 cars will take to the track for the first time during the first pre-season test in Barcelona on January 26. Before then, all reports on the top powertrain remain purely speculative.