George Russell might be Audi’s surprise pick for the 2026 Formula 1 season if they can’t get their top choice, Carlos Sainz.
- Sainz was informed last winter that he will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari for F1 2024.
- Audi, who will take over Sauber in 2026, is very interested in Sainz, but he hasn’t decided on his future yet.
- Mercedes is interested in Max Verstappen, which could affect Russell’s position in the team.
- If Audi can’t get Sainz, they might consider Russell, whose contract with Mercedes ends in 2025.
Mercedes driver George Russell could emerge as a surprise contender to race for Audi in F1 2026 if the German manufacturer is unable to secure top target Carlos Sainz. Sainz was told last winter that he would be replaced by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari at the end of F1 2024. With no confirmed seat for next season, Sainz has been linked with Williams and Alpine, although his future remains uncertain.
Audi, gearing up to take over the existing Sauber team in F1 2026, has its eyes set on Sainz. However, the Spaniard is undecided about his plans and is reportedly stalling on a decision. Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has shown interest in pairing Hamilton with reigning three-time World Champion Max Verstappen for F1 2025. This move could push George Russell out of a seat, as Mercedes is also considering promoting 17-year-old Italian sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli next season if Verstappen is not available.
Respected F1 reporter Christian Menath mentioned on the Motorsport-Magazin YouTube channel that Russell might become a strong candidate for Audi if Mercedes pairs Verstappen with Antonelli by 2026. Audi, which recently signed Nico Hulkenberg from Haas, might look for a temporary solution if they fail to lure Sainz, aiming to bring in an elite driver by 2026. Menath said, “If Carlos Sainz doesn’t come [to Audi], then it could be really only a temporary solution, because in 2026 the driver market carousel turns again. George Russell and others may be on the market.”
Previous comments by former Williams and Toyota driver Ralf Schumacher add fuel to the fire. He suggested that Russell could find himself in “jeopardy” if Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull. Schumacher told Sky Germany, “From Toto Wolff’s point of view, Kimi Antonelli deserves the chance and there are apparently contractual agreements in place. It doesn’t say which team it has to be with [but] I assume that it will be with Mercedes.” Therefore, Russell could face trouble if a World Champion like Verstappen becomes available.
With all these moves and speculations, George Russell’s future in F1 remains intriguingly uncertain.
Source: Planetf1
