George Russell has reportedly held informal talks with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, fueling speculation about a potential driver swap for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Mercedes driver, whose contract expires at the end of 2025, has been linked to a shock move to Red Bull amid uncertainty surrounding Max Verstappen’s future.

Russell has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025 season, securing podium finishes in Australia, China, and Bahrain. While initial reports suggested he was close to extending his contract with Mercedes, sources indicate that no formal agreement has been reached. This has led to speculation that Red Bull could be considering Russell as a replacement for Verstappen, should the Dutch driver decide to leave.

The possibility of a seat swap between Russell and Verstappen has sent the F1 paddock into a frenzy. With Verstappen rumored to be exploring options at Mercedes and Aston Martin, Red Bull may be preparing for a major shake-up in its driver lineup. Meanwhile, Russell’s discussions with Horner remain informal, with no official negotiations confirmed.

As the driver market heats up, all eyes will be on Russell, Verstappen, and Red Bull’s next moves. Will Russell make a sensational switch to Red Bull, or will Mercedes secure his future? The unfolding drama promises to be one of the biggest stories of the 2026 F1 season.