George Russell asserted on Thursday that he remains entirely unconcerned about his upcoming contract discussions with Mercedes.
Speculation continues to mount over a potential move for Max Verstappen to Mercedes as the new regulatory era dawns in 2026.
Despite Russell's impressive performances this season, praised by team principal Toto Wolff, many speculate that if Mercedes were to accommodate Verstappen, Wolff would prioritise retaining his 18-year-old protégé, Kimi Antonelli.
Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, however, holds a different view. "If Max were to go to Mercedes, the young Antonelli, who has been performing brilliantly so far, would probably have to go," he told Blick newspaper this week.
Russell, currently third in the 2025 drivers' standings, stated at Suzuka that he pays little heed to the circulating rumours. "I don't follow the press or what's written on social media, but just this morning someone told me that Toto has spoken very highly of my work," he said.
"It's nice to hear, but I already know that he supports me and believes in me. What's most important is what happens within the team, not in the rest of the world."
Both Wolff and Russell have recently indicated that negotiations over the British driver's contract will be deferred for the time being. "I am not worried at all about it," Russell said.
"I just believe in myself. Everything can change very quickly in Formula 1, but the main thing is always results, so in this regard everything is fine.
"If you remember previous contracts, then usually it takes Toto and me no more than a day. So on my part there's no rush and I don't feel any pressure."
