'My seat never felt under threat and I felt 100% security with Wolff and the team'

With Verstappen now committed to Red Bull and speculation over a potential move finally put to rest, Russell explained that the situation was never as significant internally at Mercedes as it appeared from the outside. The Briton suggested that the subject largely became a talking point whenever drivers faced questions from the media, while the reality within the team had always been clear.

Russell also pointed out that Verstappen's discussions with Mercedes may simply have been more public than talks his camp potentially held with other teams such as McLaren or Ferrari. He described such conversations as a normal part of Formula 1, with drivers and teams constantly assessing their respective options.

Despite the speculation surrounding Verstappen and Mercedes, Russell insisted that he never felt his seat was under threat and always had complete confidence in Toto Wolff and the team, something that remains unchanged following Verstappen's renewal.

Norris, meanwhile, made clear that he would have welcomed the prospect of sharing a team with Verstappen, given the Dutchman's achievements and talent. However, the Briton stressed that he already knows Oscar Piastri will remain his teammate for the foreseeable future and therefore does not expect anything to change at McLaren.

Speaking to GPblog, among other media, Verstappen explained that signing a new long-term deal does not mean his concerns about the current generation of Formula 1 cars have disappeared. The Dutchman remains unhappy with certain aspects of the regulations, but has gradually come to accept the situation and is now focused on making the best of it.

An important factor in that process has been the discussions Verstappen has held with both Formula 1 and the FIA. With efforts already being made to introduce small improvements for next season and the years that follow, the four-time world champion believes the situation can gradually improve over time. That outlook has helped him accept the current direction of the sport despite not being entirely satisfied with it.

Verstappen also made clear that his fundamental enjoyment of racing remains unchanged. While he feels some circuits suit the current cars better than others and believes there are still areas that need improvement, he stressed that he still enjoys driving a Formula 1 car and remains willing to continue under the current circumstances.