Red Bull door slammed shut for Russell? 'Verstappen is the reason'
19:34, 22 Jun
Updated: 20:30, 22 Jun
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In the absence of a contract with Mercedes, George Russell's options for 2026 are slim pickens, but beyond, the doors may be wide open for the Briton at Aston Martin.
Russell's hands are tied for 2026
Russell has been outspoken in terms of the likelihood he'll be on the grid come next year, stating that he's made clear to the teams he's been in contact with that prolonging his tenure at Mercedes is his priority. According to reputed F1 journalist Jon Noble on The Race Podcast, the German team sees that its senior driver hasn't got any better choices for 2026.
“From Mercedes’ perspective, Russell doesn’t have a better option that’s available tomorrow."
Around the aftermath of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Russell reportedly held talks with Red Bull Racing's team principal Christian Horner. However, the chances of the British driver making the move to Milton Keynes are slim and none, sees the journalist.
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Verstappen rivalry shut Red Bull door in Russell's face
“From Red Bull’s perspective, their preference is Max Verstappen, the likelihood is Max Verstappen is staying, and I think it’s pretty untenable to put Max and George into the same team the way that rivalry is bubbling away."
“I don’t think George fits into that ideal scenario [of a clear number one driver] for them, so that’s not really an option, even though we understand there were some informal chats, not about contracts, just about what your availability is."
“Christian Horner bumped into George on a couple of occasions, they had talks about what the situation is, but [it] hasn’t gone as far as do you want a deal."
After the Canadian Grand Prix's Qualifying session Russell joked regarding Verstappen's penalty points, a matter which became the talking point throughout the race weekend in Canada, angering the Dutchman.
George Russell won the Canadian Grand Prix ahead of Max Verstappen
'Aston Martin insider opens door for Russell'
It's not only Red Bull who has closed the door to a potential mvoe for the British driver. But Aston Martin as well, at least for 2026, with the door being left open for the now Mercedes driver in as early as 2027.
“Beyond that, Aston Martin, there’s been rumours about that, but they’ve got Fernando Alonso under contract for next year, they’ve got Lance Stroll under contract for next year."
“So, someone from Aston Martin told me, unfortunately, Aston Martin can’t run a third car next year."
“So, unless George is interested in being a simulator driver or a development driver, there’s not really an option there for next year."
“But 2027 is a very different prospect, but that’s a bit more complicated to get over the line, knowing what Mercedes want to do,” Noble concluded.
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