Russell finished in 10th at the British Grand Prix

Russell can forget about a seat at this team if Verstappen takes his at Mercedes

09:59, 17 Jul

Updated: 13:33, 17 Jul

Co-author:Kada Sárközi

byTim Kraaij

If George Russell does not receive a new contract from Toto Wolff and Mercedes, then it appears the Brit cannot count on a seat at Aston Martin either. Team principal Andy Cowell firmly closed the door on the matter in Silverstone.

In the run-up to the British Grand Prix reports surfaced that George Russell was an option for Aston Martin. However, talks were denied by both parties and during the press conference. Aston Martin's team principal, Andy Cowell, provided further clarification.

"We're super fortunate. We've got this exciting run into '26. Changing the power unit – we're working with Honda on that – changing the aerodynamics, we've got Adrian (Newey) working on that, we've got new facilities."

"The stability that we've got in having Lance and Fernando signed up for next year means that they're not only helping us now develop the tools that we're using for '26, '27 and beyond, but they're working directly on the concept of the car."

"The discussions in the wind tunnel are about the aerodynamic shape, but they're also about driver environment. How much space is there in the cockpit? Adrian tends not to leave much space in the cockpit. Everything's exceptionally tight. But that stability of having two drivers signed up through into '26 is really helping us."

Where can Russell go if Verstappen takes his place?

So, no room for Russell, who is nonetheless hoping for a contract extension with Mercedes. However, the Briton finds himself waiting for the outcome of the negotiations between Mercedes and Max Verstappen’s camp. If the Dutchman decides to make the move to Mercedes, then Russell needs to look for a new employer.

If not Aston Martin, then there are few options left for Russell. Alpine, with a Mercedes engine in 2026, is the most likely option. There, alongside Pierre Gasly, there is also room for a strong driver. Cadillac is another project that might be interesting, though it would mean a significant step back for Russell on the grid.

Russell's name is also mentioned as a possible successor to Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, but that seems an unlikely scenario. Helmut Marko combined with George Russell does not seem like a ‘match made in heaven’ and at Red Bull, at the beginning of the new cycle, they are likely to focus more on their own talent.