The 2026 driver market is yet to come into full swing. With a potential change at Red Bull on the horizon, a new team joining the grid, and all-new regulations for the season. It’s anyone’s guess which driver will end up where. However, one driver has caught the most attention, George Russell.
As George Russell enters the last 6 months of his Mercedes contract, he has been linked with Aston Martin, among other teams rumoured to be interested in the Brit. With Mercedes keen to hold onto Russell, will he stay with the German outfit or jump ship to Aston Martin, as they enter the Newey reign?
George Russell’s recent discussions
Despite lingering rumours that Mercedes could make a sensational swoop for four-time world champion Max Verstappen, George Russell has expressed his desire to stay with the Brackley-based team for the 2026 season. However, with Russell’s deal due to expire at the end of the season, the Brit is looking to explore his options for 2026.
Red Bull Showing Interest in George Russell Signals Doubt in Their Own Driver Pool
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have signed new long-term deals with McLaren. However, Zak Brown and Andrea Stella were seen having public discussions in the paddock after the season opener in Australia in March. A week later, at the Chinese Grand Prix, Russell could also be seen embracing Flavio Briatore, the executive advisor of the Alpine F1 team.
Meanwhile, in April, reports emerged that Russell had held tentative discussions with Horner, with a view to a potential deal for the 2026 season. The Red Bull boss had previously expressed his admiration for Russell. He claimed at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix that Red Bull ‘would be foolish’ to overlook Russell for a 2026 seat.
Russell’s links with Aston Martin
A report emerging from The Times has pinned Aston Martin as a potential destination for Russell for the 2026 season, with the Silverstone team ‘understood to be one of those who have expressed interest in him.’ Despite currently sitting ninth in the constructors’ championship after nine races in 2025, they are widely expected to be one of the leading forces of F1 in the years to come.
From March to Aston Martin: Adrian Newey’s Journey Through Formula 1
Aston Martin will enter a partnership with Honda starting in the 2026 season, marking their first car designed by Newey. With many drivers publicly claiming they’d like to work with Newey in their career, Aston Martin could look increasingly likely as Russell’s potential destination for 2026 should he run down his current Mercedes contract.
