George Russell makes his feelings clear on Max Verstappen joining Mercedes in brutally honest interview after Red Bull protests

George Russell has addressed the reports linking Max Verstappen to Mercedes during a brutally honest interview.

On Sunday, Russell, 27, won the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve ahead of Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.

Russell's victory was momentarily under threat after the race following two protests from Red Bull.

Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, received complaints from Red Bull, who claimed Russell was 'driving erratically' and showed 'unsportsmanlike behaviour'.

However, the protest was dismissed after both drivers were summoned to the stewards, meaning Russell kept his victory.

The race win rounded off a brilliant weekend for the Brit after he produced a stunning lap in qualifying to secure pole position.

After the race, Russell was again quizzed on his contract situation as the Mercedes star's deal is due to expire at the end of the season.

Over the last few months, Verstappen has been linked with a move to Mercedes amid the uncertainties surrounding the Dutchman's Red Bull future.

Russell was asked: "Are you 100% certain that it's going to be Mercedes next year, or are you talking to other teams as well?"

The Brit replied: "No. I'm not talking with anybody else and any teams who have shown interest, I have been quite open to say my intentions are to stay with Mercedes. That's always been clear. And I am loyal to Mercedes."

Russell then touched on the 'talks' around Verstappen.

He continued: "There haven't been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, especially around Max.

"Because, like I said on numerous times, why wouldn't teams be interested in Max? If every driver had no contracts for next year, Max would be number one for every single team. And that's understandable."

Russell added: "But ultimately, there are two seats for every race team. I knew if I continue to perform as I'm doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever.

"So, I feel in a good place. We're in no rush to do contract negotiations. We want to win together. Especially Kimi and I being team-mates now – we're getting a result like today, both junior drivers from Mercedes, we're both doing the job in terms of performance. Why would you want to change something that's working?"

F1 will return next weekend with the Austrian Grand Prix, which will take place around the Red Bull Ring.