George Russell is shining for Mercedes but his contract is up at the end of 2025 and he has been linked with a possible shock switch to Red Bull if Max Verstappen were to move on
George Russell has predicted an “interesting summer” ahead with the potential for huge changes in the Formula 1 driver market. It will largely depend on what Max Verstappen decides to do amid persistent speculation that he could leave Red Bull if they fail to meet his expectations of performance.
It is an open secret that Verstappen’s contract, which runs until 2028, contains performance clauses. And there are suggestions that they could be activated as early as this summer should the Dutchman be dissatisfied with his situation and decide to make a change.
He has been regularly linked with Mercedes, despite team principal Toto Wolff insisting that he has had no contact with Verstappen this year. And Aston Martin are likely to be very interested should the four-time F1 champion become available.
No matter who he might potentially join, should Verstappen choose to switch teams then Red Bull would be left with the enormous task of replacing their star racer. And that potential outcome has led to a surprise twist becoming public knowledge in recent days.
The Race reported that Russell has held informal “chats” with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner in recent weeks. There have so far been no talks about a potential switch, but it seems Horner has decided who his first choice to replace Verstappen might be, should he be forced to sign one.
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As it stands, Russell is out of contract at the end of the year. And though both he and Mercedes have made positive noises about a new deal, speculation will continue to persist until an announcement is made over his future.
The Brit remains relaxed about his future, especially after a strong start to the 2025 season. But as he commented on the situation, he hinted at his belief that “unsatisfied” drivers could make waves this summer – though it was unclear as to whether he was referring to Verstappen’s situation.
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Russell told The Athletic: “When Lewis [Hamilton] was here, they never discussed the contract prior to June, July. It was always the summer. The abnormal part is probably how many drivers have signed so early [on long-term deals].
“I feel a lot of drivers who are so fixated on trying to secure their futures are maybe ones who don’t have as much self-belief in themselves and feel the need to have that security. The fact is, if you have a contract and you don’t perform, the team finds a way of getting rid of you.
“Performance is our only currency and, if you perform, the rest sorts itself out. When people aren’t satisfied, people want change. So, let’s see next year. I think it’ll be an interesting summer.
“This industry is pretty straight-forward. Perform, everything comes. If you don’t perform, it doesn’t matter how good-looking or funny or whatever you are, then it disappears. So, just focus on the number one goal.”
