George Russell has finally spoken out after rumors exploded that Max Verstappen could replace Kimi Antonelli to become his new teammate at Mercedes in the 2026 Formula 1 season. With speculation mounting around Verstappen’s potential move from Red Bull, Russell offered a composed yet telling response as contract talks swirl around both stars.

Russell, who is currently in the final year of his deal with Mercedes, confirmed during the British Grand Prix weekend that no talks with rival teams are underway—even amid reports of Verstappen’s open stance toward joining the Silver Arrows.

“No, I’m not negotiating with any other team,” Russell said firmly. “Any teams who did reach out in the past, I said, ‘Look, I am loyal to Mercedes’. That’s where my future lies.”

According to sources close to Mercedes, Verstappen’s potential deal is being reviewed internally and could involve multi-year terms with performance-based options. Kimi Antonelli, the promising 18-year-old rookie, is also out of contract at the end of 2025—opening a possible path for Verstappen to step in.

When asked if Verstappen’s rumored arrival could affect his own place in the team, Russell responded confidently.

“I think the likelihood that I’m not at Mercedes next year is exceptionally low,” he said. “I’ve proven my value, and Mercedes are not just my team—they’re my management. Everything goes through them.”

Russell also acknowledged that ongoing talks between Verstappen and Mercedes have understandably slowed his own renewal process, but he isn’t worried about the outcome.

“At the end of the day, everything will work itself out,” he said. “I’ve shown I can win. I’m fully focused on the future and continuing to build with this team.”

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has yet to rule out the possibility of a Verstappen-Russell superteam, calling Verstappen “a once-in-a-generation talent.” With Verstappen reportedly holding performance-related clauses in his Red Bull contract, the idea of a switch—once unthinkable—now seems very much in play.

If finalized, the partnership would unite two of Formula 1’s fiercest competitors under one roof—and set up a championship battle with the potential to dominate headlines for years.

For now, all eyes turn to Silverstone, where both Russell and Verstappen will once again go head-to-head—not just for points, but possibly for the future of Mercedes.