P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Christian Horner appears to have got one back on Toto Wolff for the Mercedes boss’s public courting of Max Verstappen by hinting George Russell could be a serious F1 2026 target for Red Bull. If that really is possible, it wouldn’t just be “foolish” for Red Bull to ignore him – it would be negligent
Red Bull has spent much of 2024 denying the possibility of Max Verstappen leaving and dealing with Mercedes openly showing interest in their Formula 1 world champion. The team may have indirectly admitted the need for a backup plan, with Christian Horner hinting at George Russell becoming a potential target for a 2026 signing, given Russell’s contract expires next year. While Russell was expected to lead Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton’s retirement, the dynamics changed with Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari in 2025. If Mercedes returns as a championship contender, Russell’s future at the team might be uncertain, especially if they successfully pursue Verstappen. Despite Mercedes publicly expressing satisfaction with Russell, there are speculations about his contractual situation and potential role in the team’s future plans. This uncertainty creates a scenario where Red Bull, facing its driver crisis, could leverage Russell’s availability as a suitable driver to fill any potential vacancies within their lineup.
