George Russell says Max Verstappen is talking to Mercedes over potential 2026 move

“Toto clearly told me how I performance is as good as everyone else.

“There is only one driver you can discuss in terms of performance. These are not my words, but I have no worries about his words and that’s why I will come.

“But every team has two chairs, and I think these two drivers have to think who they are.”

Russell’s comments imply that Team Director Toto Wolff and his own contracts were postponed with Mercedes’ speeches with the champion four times.

“George has always fulfilled the expectations we have set in the Austria Grand Prix on Friday:” George has always fulfilled the expectations we have determined. In the last three years, we have not given a car to win the world championship and this is on us.

“The car is good, the races are winning. You know you’ll take out what’s in the car.

“Contract discussions are not kept as municipal buildings in a normal job, everything is normal, everything will plan.”

“I don’t want to argue there. People do not want to argue and explore and people in our organization do not change the millimeter of my opinion on George,” Wolff said in a direct response to Verstappen.

In a separate interview with Sky, Wolff asked whether Russell was “likelier” than Verstappen in 2026, and replied, “Yes”.

“These drivers are clever people, talking to each other, and I’m always open to something, and I say so, and there’s no such thing as saying that we’ll sign Max, because it’s not realistic at that stage.”

Verstappen refused to comment directly when asked if it would remain with Red Bull next year on Thursday.

Orum I don’t think we should talk about it, ”he said. “This is really not in my mind. It only lasts well, we’re trying to push performance, and then we focus on next year.”