George Russell says he's in no rush. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Russell is part of the team's future. And yet the summer break is almost at a close with no new contract.
The British driver's contract renewal has been a significant topic of paddock conversation over the first half of the 2025 season.
Rumours had circulated of Mercedes pursuing four-time World Champion & Red Bull driver Max Verstappen to replace Russell for 2026.
Things have been up-in-the-air at Red Bull - the biggest bombshell change when long-time boss Christian Horner was sacked on July 9.
The move was said to be down to the team's performance over the season so far. But issues had been brewing after Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour with a colleague in 2024.
Key senior members of Red Bull, including aerodynamicist extraordinaire Adrian Newey, departed the team and so it didn't look unlikely that Verstappen might do the same.
The Dutch driver seemingly confirmed he would be staying on at Red Bull for the 2026 season ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, leaving Mercedes with George Russell as their main man.
But rumours continue to brew as Verstappen has been spotted with Wolff and their families holidaying together in Sardinia over the summer break.
It has fans wondering - are Mercedes in continued pursuit of Verstappen?
And where would that leave George Russell?
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Could Russell be out of the Mercedes seat?
Reports of a a multi-year deal for the 4-time Grand Prix winner circulated ahead of the summer, with suggestions that signing would be imminent.
Russell has been forthcoming with the speculation around his future, claiming he isn't worried and doesn't feel pressured to sign on the dotted line.
"I'm managed by Mercedes... they control me, so within reason, my destiny is in their hands", Russell shared but could that very idea be an issue in itself.
If Mercedes are in control, then their decisions impact Russell. And if there's a continued pursuit for Verstappen and a possibility to curb his interest, it leaves Russell hanging in the balance.
And late changes aren't unheard of.
Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton renewed his contract with Mercedes before a late switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season, confirming the news in February 2024. A move that completely shocked the world.
So could Verstappen do the same? And could we see Russell in a Red Bull?
There are still seats up for grabs for 2026, which means Russell wouldn't necessarily be out of the sport.
Red Bull's second seat hasn't been confirmed to Yuki Tsunoda. And with seats in Mercedes, Alpine, Racing Bulls and new incoming team Cadillac, Russell could even go elsewhere.
Only time will tell and the questioning will resume from August 28 as Formula 1 returns to Verstappen's home race - the Dutch Grand Prix.