George Russell in talks with Christian Horner over possible move to Red Bull for 2026 Formula 1 season

In a shocking turn of events in the Formula 1 driver market, Mercedes star George Russell has reportedly held informal talks with Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner over a possible move to the reigning champions ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The speculation comes as doubts grow over Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull, with the four-time world champion’s contract set to expire until 2028, albeit subject to performance clauses.

Russell’s Impressive Start to 2025

George Russell’s performance in the 2025 Formula 1 season has been nothing short of spectacular. With podium finishes in three of the first five races (Australia, China and Bahrain), Russell has proven himself to be a match for the sport’s best drivers. However, his contract with Mercedes, which expires at the end of this season, raises questions about his future with the team.

While recent reports suggested that Mercedes were working on extending Russell’s contract until 2026, sources close to the situation have revealed that no formal changes have been made to his status since the start of the season. With uncertainty surrounding his future at Mercedes, Russell has been in talks with several rival teams in recent weeks.

Red Bull’s interest in Russell

In a surprising development, it has been revealed that Russell has had several informal conversations with Red Bull Racing’s Christian Horner. While these talks have yet to become formal negotiations, they point to a potential shift in the Formula 1 driver market. According to The Race, Russell and Horner have gotten to know each other better in recent weeks, and the possibility of a move to Red Bull in 2026 is very real.

The timing of these conversations has raised some eyebrows, as they follow Russell’s meeting with McLaren brass at the Australian Grand Prix and his interactions with Alpine driver Flavio Briatore at the Chinese Grand Prix. With speculation mounting, it’s clear Russell is keeping his options open as he weighs up his future.

The possible swap of places with Verstappen

The most intriguing aspect of these talks is the potential dramatic swap of seats between George Russell and Max Verstappen. Rumor has it that if Russell were to join Red Bull, Verstappen could potentially take the opposite step, leaving Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton, ushering in a new era for the Brackley team. This dramatic swap would be a game-changer in Formula 1, especially given Verstappen’s dominance of the sport.

Christian Horner has previously hinted at the possibility of Russell joining Red Bull. Last year in Singapore, he said it would be “foolish not to take that into account.” However, Red Bull has long been committed to promoting drivers from within. Helmut Marko, the team’s consultant, has made it clear that they would prefer to develop their own talent rather than take on an external recruit.

Max Verstappen’s future and Red Bull’s plans

Despite Verstappen’s long-term contract with Red Bull, speculation is mounting over his future, particularly over a potential clause that would allow him to leave the team before 2028. According to Horner, Verstappen’s contract includes a “performance clause” that could force him to leave the team if he fails to finish in the top three in the championship in the 2025 season. This increases the uncertainty over Verstappen’s future and opens the door for other teams to make a move.

Mercedes has been linked with a bid for Verstappen several times, especially after Lewis Hamilton’s shock departure to Ferrari. Aston Martin has also emerged as a potential candidate for Verstappen, with rumours suggesting they could make him a $300 million offer to lure him away from Red Bull. However, Aston Martin is sticking with its current lineup of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll and has no immediate plans to acquire Verstappen.

The impact of the 2026 regulatory changes

The potential disruption to the driver market is further complicated by major changes to Formula 1 regulations planned for 2026. These changes, including the introduction of new engine technology and major changes to car design, have forced teams to rethink their driver lineups in anticipation of a more competitive and unpredictable era. For George Russell, this represents an opportunity to secure a top seat with a team well-positioned to benefit from these changes.

While Mercedes are still having to adapt to the new regulations, Red Bull remains the favourite to continue dominating the sport. For Russell, a move to the Milton Keynes team could provide the perfect platform to challenge for race and championship wins with one of the most successful teams in recent Formula 1 history.

The future of Russell and Formula 1

As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on George Russell and his next move. With several top-tier teams vying for his contract, the British driver is in a strong position to secure a lucrative deal for the 2026 season and beyond. Whether he stays at Mercedes, moves to Red Bull, or explores options with other teams, Russell’s future in Formula 1 will undoubtedly become one of the most talked-about stories in the history of the sport.

For now, the talks between Russell and Christian Horner remain informal, but the possibility of a drastic reshuffle of the driver market for F1 2026 is highly likely. Fans will be watching with bated breath as the story unfolds, which could lead to a radical shift in the power dynamics within the sport.

Speculation surrounding George Russell’s move to Red Bull Racing for the 2026 Formula 1 season has paved the way for what could be one of the most exciting driver battles in recent memory. With Verstappen’s futures up in the air and Russell making headlines with his impressive performances, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the sport. As talks between Russell and Horner continue, F1 fans will have to wait and see how this saga unfolds.