George Russell has made a strong start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, with three podium finishes in the first five races. His consistent performances have put him in a good position to earn a new long-term contract with Mercedes.

Team boss Toto Wolff has praised Russell’s form and confirmed that talks will begin once the European rounds get underway next month.

“We will pick those talks up once we’re in the European season, there’s no stress,” he told The Athletic. “He’s performing to the highest levels, as we have hoped and expected. He’s delivering, there’s no doubt about that.”

At the same time, questions around Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull have added an interesting twist. Red Bull’s inconsistent start to the campaign has led to renewed speculation that the Dutchman might consider a move.

Last year, Verstappen was Wolff’s top choice to replace Lewis Hamilton before Mercedes opted to promote Andrea Kimi Antonelli instead. According to The Race, Verstappen’s contract includes a break clause that could allow him to leave if he is outside the top two in the Drivers’ Championship at a certain point in the season.

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Although Verstappen has been linked with a potential switch, Wolff has insisted that no talks have taken place. “We didn’t have any conversations,” he said. “At the moment, where it is with George and Kimi, there’s no doubt to question that set up for the future, as it goes.”

Speaking to PA, Russell said he understands why Mercedes would consider Verstappen. “Why wouldn’t they want to sign Max? It’s totally understandable,” he said.

“He’s the best at the moment. He’s a four-time world champion. That’s not anything against me or Kimi. There are two drivers for every team and he is one person. So that doesn’t concern me one bit. Right now, I think I am performing as good as anyone on this grid.”

Still, Russell’s future is not entirely settled. The Race also reports that he has held informal conversations with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner in recent weeks, as both sides explore their options.

With his current deal ending this year, Russell may be keeping the door open, especially if Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull. In that case, Russell could move to Red Bull, while Mercedes would need to find a new teammate for Antonelli.

For now, all sides are keeping their cards close to their chest. A new deal between Russell and Mercedes would likely bring some clarity, but with so many moving parts, nothing is certain just yet.