George Russell‘s long-term F1 future with Mercedes is under threat by the mouthwatering potential transfer if Max Verstappen leaves Red Bull.

Both Russell and Toto Wolff confirmed during the British Grand Prix that talks had taken place with Dutch superstar Verstappen, and it would likely be Russell that would be under threat in the scenario that Verstappen signed with the team.

That’s because of both the intense rivalry between Verstappen and Russell, and the fact that 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli is seen as the future for the Brackley outfit, after some stunning performances in his rookie season.

Both Antonelli and Russell are currently set to be out of contract at the end of the 2025 season, and neither of their futures beyond that are certain.

For Russell, however, Mercedes don’t seem to be the only option, following some brilliant performances so far this season.

Recent rumours have linked Aston Martin with a swoop for Russell ahead of 2026 regulation changes, with the Silverstone-based team hoping to become a challenger for world championships in the future.

Would Aston Martin sack Lance Stroll?

The main hurdle stopping a potential move for Russell is the fact that current Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, and the Canadian would have to make the brutal decision to axe his own son.

Stroll junior would likely be given a comfortable position within the team in the result of a potential sacking, but the removal of the 26-year-old from a full-time seat with his father’s team would go down as one of the most brutal moves in F1 history.

Particularly when you consider his 2025 season to date, where performances have been much improved compared to his efforts in both 2023 and 2024.

Stroll has scored 20 points already so far this season, only four off his tally in the whole of 2024, and sits up in 12th in the drivers’ standings.

What’s more, Stroll is also contracted until the end of 2026, and the team have constantly reiterated that they are happy with their current lineup and have no plans to end Stroll’s contract early.

However, surely the prospect of an in-form Russell joining the team would be too big an opportunity to miss out on?

Would Aston Martin sack Fernando Alonso?

An equally brutal sacking of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso could, of course, be the other option.

Alonso has not performed to the levels of previous years in 2025, and is behind his team-mate in the drivers’ championship.

Couple that with the fact that the Spaniard is now 43 years of age, and Aston Martin could potentially argue that they are trying to plan for the future by having 26-year-old Stroll and 27-year-old Russell as their pairing for 2026.

Alonso has not strictly ruled out staying in F1 beyond the end of the 2026 season, but has only scored 14 points from the first 12 races of 2025 and may just be beginning to show his age after an illustrious career.

Should Mercedes announce the blockbuster signing of Verstappen during the summer break, Russell will surely be hot property around the paddock, and Aston Martin would likely face stiff competition from the likes of Cadillac, Red Bull and Alpine for the Brit’s signature.

READ MORE: F1 2025 driver lineup: Big names on the move as full grid complete

READ MORE: F1 driver salaries: What stars including Hamilton and Verstappen earn

READ MORE: F1 drivers height: How tall are Hamilton, Verstappen and Tsunoda

Related

F1 legend Lewis Hamilton has reportedly snubbed the advances of a celebrity presenter despite her best efforts to secure a date.

Amelia Dimoldenberg has become a household name in recent years thanks to the rise of her popular YouTube show, Chicken Shop Date, in which she interviews celebrities from the world of entertainment in the humble surroundings of fried chicken establishments.

Her hilarious – and often bizarre – conversations with her A-list guests are must-see viewing, and Damson Idris – star of the new F1 movie – was the latest big-hitter to sit down for a chat.

The pair discussed the role that seven-time world champion Hamilton played in the production of the blockbuster film, with Idris also asking whether Dimoldenberg had managed to arrange a one-to-one with the Ferrari racer yet.

“He’s the coolest guy in the world,” said Idris. “Have you been on a date with him?”

“Absolutely not,” came the immediate response. “He won’t reply to me.”

Fellow F1 star Lando Norris previously made quite the impression on Dimoldenberg when the McLaren star featured on the comedic ‘dating’ show last year.

Hamilton’s focus firmly on F1

While Hamilton may well be keen for an appearance down the line, he has more than enough on his plate for the time being.

His maiden campaign at the Scuderia has not yet gone according to plan, with the 40-year-old yet to feature on the podium during the first half of the season.

After being pipped to third by Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg at last weekend’s British Grand Prix, Hamilton is sixth in the drivers’ standings, one place behind team-mate Charles Leclerc.

He has made no secret of his frustration regarding his struggles, with the sense of disappointment tangible after having such high hopes following his move from Mercedes.

With his chances of a historic eighth championship likely over for another year, Hamilton is already turning his attention to ensuring both he and the team are in prime position to compete in 2026 when the new regulations come into play.

Amelia: “Lewis Hamilton was one of your mentors on the film…”

Damson: “Producer too!”

Amelia: “What did you learn from him?”

Damson: “To drive fast. He’s the coolest guy in the world.”

Amelia: “Yeah, he looks it.”

Damson: “Have you been on a date with him?”

Amelia:… pic.twitter.com/JzkOORNPut

— sin ⁴⁴ (@44britcedes) July 11, 2025

F1 HEADLINES: Max Verstappen Mercedes move ‘approved’ as star driver summoned to HQ

READ MORE: F1 team principal gives Sergio Perez green light for sensational return

READ MORE: Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff arrive for crunch talks over Mercedes move

Related

Max Verstappen‘s manager Raymond Vermeulen has pointed to Red Bull for answers following the shock sacking of their F1 team principal, Christian Horner.

The man who led Red Bull to 14 drivers’ and constructors’ titles combined during his 20 years in the sport was abruptly axed by the Milton Keynes-based team on Wednesday.

F1 HEADLINES: Verstappen Red Bull era ENDS as rivals announce major contract for star driver

Verstappen’s future is arguably now more up in the air than ever before as rumours swirl over the reason for Horner’s dismissal and whether Red Bull’s star driver, his manager or his father had anything to do with the change in management.

Following the news that Horner had been dropped as Red Bull CEO and team principal with immediate effect, Vermeulen issued a brief statement.

“We had been informed in advance by Red Bull’s management that this decision had been taken.”

“It is up to Red Bull to give a further explanation, as to the rationale. We continue to look at the sporting side and are looking for more performance so that we can return to the top. In that respect, nothing will change,” he declared.

Did the Verstappens play a role in Horner’s F1 exit?

Red Bull’s four-time champion took to social media after Horner’s sacking to pay tribute to his former team boss, thanking him for the success they shared together in the sport.

However, Sky F1’s Martin Brundle is among the pundits speculating that Verstappen’s team did play a role in having Horner removed from his job with Red Bull after a tumultuous year.

Both on and off the track, Horner faced difficulties, with his F1 team sitting fourth in the constructors’ standings halfway through the 2025 season.

Rivals McLaren look set to claim their second consecutive title in the team standings, now 238 points clear of second-place Ferrari.

So, with the papaya outfit settling in as the new top team, perhaps Red Bull simply decided a change was overdue?

Alternatively, there could be truth to claims from Germany that Team Verstappen wanted Horner to either leave or have his powers reduced, but either way, it looks as if Vermeulen won’t be adding fuel to the fire on the topic anytime soon.

READ MORE: Reason for Christian Horner’s Red Bull sacking ‘revealed’

Related