Red Bull Eyeing George Russell for 2026: Christian Horner Hints at Mercedes Poaching
In a surprising revelation, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has confirmed that the reigning world champions are considering George Russell as a potential candidate for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The Briton, who is currently under contract with Mercedes, will become a free agent following the 2025 season, and Red Bull is reportedly keeping a close eye on him as they look to strengthen their driver lineup.
Russell, 26, has emerged as one of the brightest talents in Formula 1 since his debut with Williams in 2019. Following his switch to Mercedes in 2022, he has established himself as a consistent performer, regularly challenging for podiums and delivering solid results for the Silver Arrows.
His talent and calm demeanor have made him a popular figure in the paddock, and he is seen as a future world champion by many.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Horner acknowledged Russell’s potential, stating that while Red Bull is currently focused on their existing driver lineup, they are always on the lookout for new talent. “George is definitely one of the names we’ll be considering for 2026,” Horner said.
“He’s a driver with a lot of ability, and in this sport, you need to be ahead of the game and always plan for the future.”
Red Bull’s interest in Russell comes at a time when their driver roster appears to be solid for the immediate future. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who has been with the team since 2016, is under contract until 2028.
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate, is also signed until 2024, with discussions regarding a possible extension ongoing. However, as Horner alluded to, Formula 1 is an ever-evolving sport, and Red Bull is not one to rest on its laurels.
While Mercedes has already stated their intent to retain Russell for the foreseeable future, the driver market can be notoriously unpredictable. With F1’s new power unit regulations set to come into play in 2026, teams will be seeking drivers who can adapt to the evolving technical landscape, and Russell’s skills could make him a prime target for teams like Red Bull.
A potential move for Russell could mark a seismic shift in the F1 paddock. Red Bull has shown itself to be a dominant force in recent years, while Mercedes is navigating a challenging phase in their pursuit of another championship.
A switch to Red Bull could offer Russell the opportunity to fight for titles at a team that has consistently been at the top of the grid.
While it’s still early days, Horner’s comments are certain to fuel speculation about Russell’s future and Red Bull’s long-term plans. With 2026 on the horizon, it seems the F1 world could witness some thrilling driver moves in the coming years.