'Aston Martin flirts with Russell after Verstappen says ‘no''

21:33, 04 Jun

Updated: 08:33, 05 Jun

bySavannah Lenz

George Russell’s current contract with Mercedes expires at the end of 2025. Whether he will extend it with the Brackley-based team has not yet been announced.

Mercedes team principal and CEO, Toto Wolff, has not shied away from the fact that he would like Verstappen to join the Mercedes family. While Wolff has a completed lineup with Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli, it is rumoured that he would be willing to drop Russell for Verstappen.

Could Russell lose his seat?

According to The Times, “Russell is thought to be the most likely to lose his seat were the Red Bull driver to make the switch.”

However, it is rumoured that other teams have expressed interest in Russell. The Times also said, “Aston Martin are understood to be one of those who have expressed interest in him.”

Aston Martin, however, already has two drivers for 2026: Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso. They also have a slew of reserve drivers at their disposal. Not to mention their new contract with Honda, which could prompt a move for Yuki Tsunoda, who was a part of the Honda Formula Dream Project (HFDP).

The most viable option for Russell is to stay with Mercedes.