George Russell ‘targeted by F1 rivals’ as Mercedes given path to sign Max Verstappen | F1 | Sport

George Russell is a surprise contender to spearhead the Adrian Newey revolution at Aston Martin, according to reports. It is claimed that the team are targeting a potential move for the 27-year-old, who is yet to extend his Mercedes contract beyond this season.

Russell has enjoyed a positive season and won his first Grand Prix of 2025 in Canada last week. Despite that success, there remains uncertainty over his future. The British star insists that he will be on the grid in 2026 and that his priority is to remain with Mercedes. However, the Silver Arrows are yet to confirm the extension of his contract and team principal Toto Wolff has previously openly courted Red Bull ace Max Verstappen.

With Russell yet to commit to Mercedes, Aston are reportedly lining up a shock move. According to Motorsport, they could offer Russell the opportunity to lead their revival in Formula One under the new regulations, which come into play next year.

Aston are hoping to capitalise on the biggest change to F1’s rulebook in history. Former Red Bull design guru Newey is designing their new car, which they expect to be competitive under new engine and chassis regulations.

Any move for Russell could open the door for Wolff to finally land Verstappen. Aston are reported to have offered the Dutchman a mega-money contract last winter, but turning their attention to Russell could pave the way for Verstappen to join Mercedes.

Verstappen has three years remaining on his Red Bull contract but has raised concerns over the team’s car this season. It remains to be seen whether a Newey-less Red Bull are competitive next season. He has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave in the unlikely event he is outside of the Drivers’ Championship top four at the August summer break.

Meanwhile, Russell insists there is no bitterness over his situation at Mercedes. He said in Canada: “It doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t hurt at all, but, you know, as I’ve said many times, I’m not concerned at all about next year. 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, and I think results like today, when we got half a chance of a good result, we’re there to take it, and I’m pretty relaxed, just enjoying the moment, enjoying my racing, and just taking it week by week.

“I am loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this chance to get into Formula One. There haven’t been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, you know, especially around Max because, like I said numerous times, why wouldn’t teams be interested in Max if everybody could, if every driver had a clean, no contracts for next year, Max would be the number one for every single team. And that’s understandable.