The Mercedes driver won his first race of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix at the weekend and thinks that he is a strong position to earn a contract extension with his team.

Russell said: "I know I'm going to be on the grid next year. I feel that I'm driving better than ever. I still feel I've got more in the tank. I feel ready to fight for a world championship."

The British racer trails drivers' championship leader Oscar Piastri by 62 points and doesn't think that a title tilt is likely as McLaren still have the quickest car this season.

Russell said: "I don't really know how Max (Verstappen) and I are so close to those two [McLaren drivers] because they clearly have the most dominant car.

"I think the two of us have been very consistent and getting the maximum result from our packages week in, week out. But I can't imagine them to continue throwing away points in the manner they're doing.

"Of course, we hope that continues to be the case, but I don't foresee us getting in the championship fight through pure pace as Lando (Norris) did last year. We'll only be there if results like today continue or things like today continue to happen."

Mercedes are believed to be interested in signing Verstappen but Russell doesn't think that his seat will be under threat.

The four-time Grand Prix winner said: "There haven't been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, especially around Max.

"If every driver had no contract for next year, Max would be number one for every single team. And that's understandable. But ultimately, there are two seats for every race team.

"I know if I continue to perform as I'm doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever. So, I feel in a good place."