Max Verstappen in negotiations with Mercedes

Earlier in the day, Max Verstappen had already been questioned about his future. A question, as you can imagine, that annoyed the four-time world champion.

« I don’t think we need to talk about it. I don’t know, do you want me to repeat what I said last year? I don’t know. It’s the same answer. I don’t even remember what I said last year, actually. But again, I don’t really think about it. I just focus on driving well, trying to improve performance, and then we’ll focus on next year, » he stated at the press conference.

Nevertheless, while he didn’t want to elaborate on his potential discussions with other teams, George Russell did not hold back. When asked about the extension of his contract, the British driver first claimed not to be worried.

« It is not something that worries me greatly because, as I have always said, performance is the priority, and I think that with the performance I am showing right now – consistently in line with the performance I have shown over all these years – I have no reason to be concerned. But obviously, it would help if it were signed on paper, » he explained to the media at the end of the day.

« It goes both ways – I need them, they need me and that’s how it is. Mercedes is so ambitious that it wants to get back to the top. They must understand and think about how they are going to bring Mercedes back to the top. You need to have the best team director, you need to have the best drivers in your car, you need to have the best engineers within your team. »

In terms of performance, George Russell doesn’t seem too worried after receiving compliments from his team director, Toto Wolff. Toto clearly made it known to me that he thought my performances this year were as good as anyone else’s. That’s why I have no concerns for the future, but there are two spots in each team, and I think he must be considering who will be the two drivers to fill those spots. I guess that’s what’s delaying the process.

When we talk about the best drivers, it’s certain that we can’t help but think of the giant Verstappen and his four world championship titles. And while rumors of the Dutchman’s departure from Red Bull for a potential new start at Mercedes have emerged in the past, George Russell has now made it official that discussions are underway.

« It is therefore normal that discussions with drivers like Verstappen continue. I think this will surprise no one! » he admits in front of journalists surprised by such an announcement.

Obviously, we know the nature of the relationship between Verstappen and Russell, which may cause us to doubt a partnership between the two rivals.