Russell shrugs off reports, expects to sign new F1 deal within weeks

AFP | London

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George Russell yesterday shrugged aside reports that he is set to be replaced at Mercedes by arch-rival Max Verstappen of Red Bull, saying he expects to sign a new Silver Arrows contract in “the next couple of weeks”.

The 27-year-old Briton, who earlier this week took delivery of a Mercedes AMG ONE supercar valued at $2.7 million (2.3 million euro), was in a relaxed mood at a news conference ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix.

“There are a lot of conversations behind the scenes that are not public, not broadcast, and I know where their loyalty lies,” he told reporters.

“It doesn’t need to be public and it doesn’t need to be broadcast to everybody.

“We’ve obviously spoken a little bit more over the last week because there are numerous news articles and whatnot out there. In all honesty, it doesn’t really change anything on my side.

“Obviously there’s a lot of questions about it, but the more we speak or the less we speak about it, nothing really changes. It’ll happen when the time is right. I expect probably in the next couple of weeks, probably, something to happen.”

He reiterated his view that his results and performances will determine his future whether or not four-time champion Verstappen has accepted an offer from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff as reported by Sky Sport Italia.

“I have quite a thick skin and I don’t really read much news or listen to rumours,” he said.

“I just focus on the facts and on driving. I said it at the start of the year: -- you can have a contract, but if you don’t perform, you’re out.”