Mercedes' doubts and Russell's fear put the British driver in survival mode and ignited his pace

Reportedly it would be Russell who would have to make way at Mercedes for Verstappen should the Dutchman decide to tie his fate to the German team. To Sky Sports F1, former F1 driver turned analyst Martin Brundle believes this situation is giving the British driver even more speed.

"Mercedes might say holding his feet to the fire a hit is getting even more from him," Brundle said.

"He's doing a superb job and it's unusual for a driver of his calibre to not have been announced [for 2026] even about a year ago with a contract extension."

Brundle also notes that the situation the Briton is in, facing the media's constant questioning on his future at his home race, the British GP is a bizarre one for him to be in. "Let alone him having to come to the British GP and answer questions about his future in the team."

However, that's the hand Russell's been dealt and as it stands, the Mercedes driver is faster than ever, Brundle believes. "But that's the way it is at the moment and it doesn't seem to be slowing him down," the British analyst concluded.

Rain threats to unravel the Britsh Grand Prix into an even more exciting race, and Russell starts P4 after yet another grand qualifying pace display where he managed to pip both Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc who had been tipped for pole due to the strong pace they had shown in their SF-25 all weekend long.