Russell: Hamilton talking nonsense saying something like that

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Hamilton, winner of a record 105 races, was hard on himself - which Russell referenced - after qualifying P12 at the last race in Hungary before the August break while teammate Charles Leclerc secured pole. The 40-year-old has yet to stand on the podium for the Italian team.

Russell told reporters ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix: "Of course, he's talking nonsense, saying something like that, because he's the greatest driver of all time. He's still an exceptional driver; we saw it, he obviously won the sprint straight away at the start of the year in China.

"He's still clearly got it, but Formula 1 is not an easy sport, especially if the team is not performing at the highest level, which compounds the issue. Of course, Charles is an amazing driver too.

"I think right now, 14 races down, probably every driver bar two are looking forward to 2026 and for a fresh opportunity to fight for a championship. For someone like Lewis, that's what he lives for, not just getting in the points," reckoned Russell.

Russell is set to stay at Mercedes next year but has yet to sign an extension to the contract that expires at the end of the season. He said before the break that there was no rush and that had not changed.

"It's moving in a positive direction," said Russell, who is P4 in the 2025 F1 Drivers' standings ahead of Round 15 this weekend at Zandvoort. "I think we're getting closer to being on the same page with a few things. But I think as there is no time pressure from the team’s side, and no time pressure from our side, we’re sort of just ensuring it’s done properly."

Mercedes had been interested in signing four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull but the Dutch driver has said he will not be moving anywhere.

Russell said of the duration of any extension: "There are pros and cons to having short-term, long-term. Of course, I'm 28 next year, I'm still feeling pretty young but at some point I need to make sure everything is right and we're all heading in the right direction. I hope that can be with Mercedes."

History shows that in their 68 Grand Prix weekends as Mercedes teammates, Russell outqualified Hamilton 39 to 29. In races, the pair were tied, beating each other 34 times before the partnership ended last season.