George Russell reportedly hopes Aston Martin will be at the forefront of the Formula 1 project from 2026.
Aston Martin is targeting Russell to become part of future plans as F1 suffered a major regulatory change in 2026, according to “Major Paddock Source” via Motorsport’s report.
Russell’s current Mercedes contract expired at the end of the year, and the two parties have yet to register terms for the contract extension, despite this being considered a form.
Russell’s move means either Fernando Alonso or Reims’ walk (both contracted in 2026) will have to open seats.
Walks are contracted year by year, but it’s hard to see him build a path as his father, Lawrence, owns the team.
Alonso visited Alpine several times over the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, shaking his tongue in the paddock that the two-time world champion could return a shock to the Enstone team.
Russell: “Trust to Mercedes”
Russell, the only famous driver who has not signed a 2026 contract, claimed he has not spoken to other teams after Red Bull’s impressive victory over Max Burstappen in Canada.
“No, I’m not talking to other people or teams who showed interest. I was very open to saying that my intentions were with Mercedes, and that’s always clear,” he emphasized.
“And you know, I’m loyal to Mercedes. They gave me the opportunity to get into Formula 1. Especially around Max, and as I’ve said many times, why not be interested in Max if all the drivers are clean and don’t have a contract for the next year.
“But I knew that in the end, every race team had two seats and that if I continued to perform as I did, my position would not be threatened at all. So I feel like I’m in a good place. We don’t rush to negotiate contracts.”
After Russell won pole in qualifying on Saturday in Montreal, Totowolf hinted that Mercedes would soon secure his new contract.
“He gives us all the reasons to do it quickly,” Wolf told Sky Sports F1. “We know what he can do and he has been leading this team for a while, and he has the pace and the right attitude.
“He has been a Mercedes junior for a long time and we’re on track to what we’ve always planned.”
