George Russell has been connected to an unexpected Mercedes departure.
If Audi’s attempts to sign Carlos Sainz fail, rumors have it that they may make an unexpected move for George Russell.
It’s common knowledge that Sainz might relocate to Sauber in 2025. After Ferrari announced that Lewis Hamilton will take his place, Audi showed interest in the Spanish driver before he even started looking for a new team for the upcoming season.
Although Audi has already signed Nico Hulkenberg, the German automaker has had difficulty convincing their other top target to commit. With so many options available to him, Sainz keeps delaying his decision in the hopes that Mercedes will resurface as a possibility.
According to The Mirror, Sainz has recently come close to signing with Williams and has demonstrated more interest in other teams than Audi. To make matters worse for Sauber, Esteban Ocon, their backup option, has agreed to sign with Haas and is also expected to sign elsewhere.
This might compel Audi to retain one of the Sauber drivers currently in place. The Germans have not hidden their desire to bring in two outside candidates; however, in the event that Audi is unable to land any of their top targets, Zhou Guanyu or Valtteri Bottas may be able to secure an extension.
Although they might only be taken into consideration in the near future, Sauber reserves, such as current Formula 2 leader Zane Maloney and last year’s winner Theo Pourchaire, are also under consideration.
This is due to the possibility of a shake-up in 2026 when more well-known brands enter the market. George Russell’s contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the following year, according to German publication Motorsport Magazin, which suggests Russell could be a target.
According to a video from the outlet, “The driver market carousel turns again in 2026, so if Carlos Sainz doesn’t come, then it could really only be a temporary solution.” There could be a market for George Russell and co. That’s not something you want to ruin with a Bottas or anyone else. Most likely, this will only be a temporary fix.”
Russell is valued by the established Silver Arrows as a key player, so Audi may have a difficult time convincing him to leave Mercedes. Russell is a rookie in Formula One.
Russell will emerge from behind Hamilton to assume leadership of the team, most likely in tandem with rising talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Russell is unlikely to think about leaving the team anytime soon because he signed his current contract with the understanding that he would be competing alongside the seven-time champion. This is especially true if the team continues to perform well.
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