George Russell insists he will be on the Formula 1 grid next year with Williams as he dismissed speculation that his position wiꦑthin the team could be under threat.

Despite an announcement earlier this year that Russell would be remaining alongside Nicholas Latꦫifi at Williams for 2021, reports suggest that free agent Sergio Perez has emerged as a surprise candidate at the team which is now under new ownership from Dorilton ♕Capital.

Addressing the media on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Pri😼x, Russell stressed the change of ownership will not have any bearing on his future.

“I have a contract for next y🤪ear and with the new owners coming in nothing has changed whatsoever from a contractual perspective under the new ownership,” Russell said.

“I’ve actually not spoken to the💞 new owners about it because from my side there’s no concerns. They’ll all be here this weekend and I’m sure any air will be cleared, but I am not conce𒀰rned and I will be on the grid next year with Williams.

“There’s obviously always speculation,” Russell added. “I guess the me𝓀dia like to build a lot up.

“It’s understandable there’s speculation because there’s so many great drivers who are available fighting for a place on the grid now with Sergio 🍰[Perez], both the Haas guys, [Nico] Hulkenberg as well. So there’s always going to be speculation.

“Unfortunately in Formula 1 there isn’t necessarily aꦫlways space for ev🐻eryone who deserves to be here.”

Russell, who is a Mercedes junior, said he would discuss the matter with the German manufacturer🐬 should he feel that h♛is position is becoming threatened.

“I’m in contact with the guys at Mercedes weekly, we’re always staying in touch,” the Briton explained. “I feel in really privileged position to have their full support b🔯ehind me and long-term I♉ think I’m in a great position.

“If it really comes to that obviously I’ll be speaking to them but ꧅sitting here right now I have no reason to be concerned.”

Russell’s teammate Latifi said he is also convinced that his seat🍌 at the British outfit is secure.

“Like George said, we have a contract and just because the team is under newꦑ ownership now doesn’t really change anything on that front so I’m not concerned at all,” he added.

“I have a contract with the team for next year and I’m confident I’m going to ꧑be on the grid next year.”