Russell in talks with Red Bull and Aston Martin for 2026

George Russell may have top-tier options on the table if Mercedes reshuffles its driver lineup for 2026.

While team boss Toto Wolff has publicly praised the in-form 27-year-old, who currently ranks just behind the McLaren pair and Max Verstappen in the standings, speculation is mounting that Wolff is keeping a seat open in case Verstappen becomes available.

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes there’s a strong chance the Dutchman could leave Red Bull ahead of the sweeping 2026 regulation changes.

Schumacher was one of the first to suggest that Verstappen’s behavior during the recent Barcelona weekend may have been a calculated attempt to trigger a contract exit clause.

"If Max wants to leave, you couldn't stop him," Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. "Red Bull is struggling at the moment and will continue to struggle for the foreseeable future.

"The multiple updates didn't work out so far, so why would you assume that Pierre Wache will suddenly build a miracle car for the new regulations when he doesn't even understand the old one properly?"

Another looming issue is the Red Bull-Ford engine partnership set to debut in 2026.

"We're on track with our engines for 2026, but obviously we don't know exactly what the competition is doing," said Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko.

"There's already talk about who has the edge, but that's only really clear once you take them out to the track."

Rumors suggest Mercedes may emerge with a major power unit advantage under the new regulations.

"Max obviously wants a car that works," Schumacher added. "This isn't guaranteed at Red Bull at the moment.

"Max has time before he has to decide. He can wait until or even after the summer break."

Schumacher also pointed to Wolff’s calm comments after Verstappen’s clash with Russell in Barcelona as a possible sign that talks with Verstappen are already underway.

"I thought Toto Wolff's reaction was very nice," he said. "It was so diplomatic.

"Normally you expect a team boss to protect his own driver, but Toto more or less said 'let's look calmly at what Max actually did'. I found that very striking.

You almost get the idea that he and Max are already sitting around the table eating and chatting about next year."

A Verstappen-Russell pairing at Mercedes is widely considered unlikely, especially with Wolff expected to protect teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli. Letting go of Antonelli is seen as off the table.

That leaves Russell potentially looking elsewhere. According to The Times, Aston Martin has emerged as one possible destination. Meanwhile, it is believed informal discussions have already taken place between Russell’s management and Red Bull.