The image shows George Russell, a Mercedes driver, on the grid prior to the commencement of the Austrian Grand Prix in 2024.
Mercedes driver George Russell could emerge a surprise contender to race for Audi in F1 2026 if the German manufacturer is unable to secure top target Carlos Sainz, it has been claimed.
Sainz continues to be without a secured position for the upcoming season, as he was previously notified in the winter that he would be substituted by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari by the conclusion of F1 2024.
George Russell to emerge as Audi F1 2026 target?
Audi, who will take over the existing Sauber team in F1 2026, are known to have a longstanding interest in Sainz, who is stalling on a decision on his future.
In recent weeks, there have been speculations connecting the Spaniard with teams like Williams and Alpine. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has not completely dismissed the idea of Sainz joining their team, despite the fact that their schedules may not align at the present moment.
Wolff’s desire to sign the three-time World Champion Max Verstappen as Hamilton’s replacement for F1 2025 has been widely known. In case they are unable to secure Verstappen, Mercedes is ready to promote the young Italian sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli, aged 17, as early as next season.
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In that scenario, however, Mercedes could try again to sign Verstappen in time for F1’s major 2026 rule changes – which could leave Russell, whose current contract is due to expire at the end of 2025, out in the cold.
Appearing on the Motorsport-Magazin YouTube channel, the respected F1 reporter Christian Menath claimed that Russell could become a candidate to join Audi if Mercedes decide to pair Verstappen with Antonelli from 2026.
If Audi fails to attract Sainz, Menath thinks they will opt for a temporary solution for the upcoming season and focus on convincing a top-tier driver to join their F1 team in 2026. This was revealed when Audi announced the signing of Nico Hulkenberg from Haas in April.
He stated that if Carlos Sainz does not join Audi, it would only serve as a temporary solution, as the driver market carousel turns again in 2026.
“George Russell and other potential candidates could potentially become available for acquisition. It would be unwise to jeopardize such opportunities by signing someone like Valtteri Bottas or any other alternative.”
It is highly probable that a temporary solution will be in place for a brief period.
Last month, Ralf Schumacher, the former Williams and Toyota driver, expressed concerns about George Russell’s position if Max Verstappen chooses to depart from Red Bull. Menath’s remarks follow Schumacher’s comments.
Schumacher told Sky Germany: “From Toto Wolff’s point of view, Kimi Antonelli deserves the chance and there are apparently contractual agreements in place.
The team it doesn’t specify is not mentioned, but I presume it will likely be with Mercedes.
“Wolff has expressed his intention to prioritize the future, and the current situation presents a golden opportunity. Mercedes is experiencing a resurgence, making it the perfect moment for Antonelli to get ready.”
In the event that Max Verstappen opts to depart from Red Bull, it is highly conceivable that Mercedes could offer him a spot on their team.
If that were to happen, George Russell could find himself in quite a difficult situation.
He possesses, or used to possess, exceptional talent, but he frequently commits numerous errors.
Should a World Champion become available, it is conceivable that George Russell’s position may be at risk.
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