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By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
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Mercedes driver George Russell made it clear that he is getting interest from all over the Formula 1 paddock.
Russell remains in the rumor mill as his contract is set to expire after the current season. Mercedes remains linked to Red Bull's Max Verstappen — leading to Russell's future becoming increasingly unclear.
Even though Verstappen is under contract for several more seasons at Red Bull, the team's struggles over the past calendar year have led to the Dutch driver becoming unsettled.
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Russell is driving at the highest level of his career. He is getting the most out of the W16 and has been putting in impressive performances all season long.
Despite the stellar races from Russell, the four-time Drivers' Champion remains to be the most sought after driver on the grid.
If Verstappen were to become available, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said he would be willing to do whatever it takes to get his signature.
In the lead-up to the British Grand Prix, Russell was asked whether he feels good about landing another seat on the grid:
"Pretty confident, to be honest," Russell told the media. "I think what I've proven so far has been plenty enough. Not really much more to say.
"Any team who have reached out in the past, I said: 'Look I am loyal to Mercedes. That's where my future lies'"
Russell — throughout the entire contract negotiation process — hasn't wavered in his belief that he will drive for Mercedes next season.
He raised his level to net an extended stay with the Brackley-based team and believes it is a matter of time before the deal becomes official.
"Ultimately, Mercedes are my managers," he said. "So it has to be dealt through Mercedes in the first place.
"There hasn't been a lack of interest, let's say, but I've been focused on my side, and I am loyal to Mercedes.
"At the end of the day, everything will work itself out. The likelihood I'm not a Mercedes next year, I think, is exceptionally low."
Wolff said a decision on Russell's contract will come during the summer break, by which time the team hopes to have clarity on their driver lineup for the monumental 2026 season.
After spending years in Mercedes's developmental program, Russell is committed to remaining loyal, but time will tell if the team reciprocates his faith.
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