George Russell admission is music to Red Bull ears as Verstappen handed cause for concern

believes that he is 'nowhere near' the peak of his abilities as an F1 driver, despite starting the 2025 season with a strong vein of form. This attitude will no doubt impress bosses, with reportedly having held preliminary talks with the Brit over a surprise move. Russell already has three podium finishes to his name this season after five rounds, including an eye-catching performance in Shanghai, where transmission issues forced him to drive without a host of critical tools during the closing laps.

These results have him sitting fourth in the Drivers' Championship standings, comfortably clear of both Ferrari drivers. Despite his consistently strong performances, contract talks with Mercedes are yet to produce an extension. According to a report from , the 27-year-old has been involved in boss Christian Horner to scope out availability in 2026.

The Milton Keynes squad currently have Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda tied down, but could have an opening available in 2026 should the reigning world champion follow through on interest from Mercedes and Aston Martin.

If Horner lures Russell to Milton Keynes next year, he will receive a driver with room to develop even further. "I personally feel like I'm doing my own thing, really," he said after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

"I don't think my performances have stepped up massively since last year, I think I was performing at a very good level throughout the end of last year, from probably Austin time onwards.

"Of course, being team-mates with a seven-time world champion (Lewis Hamilton), you've always got a fight on your hands, week in, week out. It wasn't straightforward, but I don't think I'm going about my business any different from last year, but I do think I am driving at the best of my abilities, and I feel that I'm getting stronger every single season.

"And I still feel there's a lot of room for me to improve. I feel that I'm not even close to my peak yet, and that excites me a lot, because I still see areas of improvement that is very much achievable, and that I very much believe will bring performance to my game."

While Russell's words would impress Red Bull bosses, they will be concerning for to hear. The Silver Arrows' star is still in play for the Drivers' Championship title with a 26-point deficit to make up, providing Mercedes can improve their machinery.