F1 fans are all telling George Russell the same thing after holding ‘informal chats’ with Christian Horner over Red Bull seat

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The Formula 1 driver’s market was always going to be slightly calmer in 2025 compared to the chaos that ensued last season.

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari got the ball rolling and this year, only two teams have retained both of their drivers from the start of 2024.

There have been murmurings up and down the paddock of potential changes taking place after Red Bull swapped Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda after two races.

Jack Doohan’s Alpine seat appears to be safe for now, with reserve driver Franco Colapinto lurking in the background.

Aside from that, after five races, every other driver appears to be safe in their current seats.

However, there is discontent within Red Bull as they’ve been unable to match their incredible performances over the past few years in 2025.

Team principal Christian Horner is overly reliant on Max Verstappen’s brilliance to keep Red Bull in contention for either championship, but the fact Verstappen’s current contract runs until 2028 doesn’t necessarily mean he’s locked in until that date.

Verstappen has get-out clauses in his Red Bull deal, which has led to Horner taking a look at George Russell’s current situation at Mercedes.

READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height

F1 fans tell George Russell to not ‘get involved’ at Red Bull after Christian Horner chats

Horner has held informal chats with Russell over a potential move to Red Bull should Verstappen decide to activate the clause in his contract.

There has been plenty of reaction from fans about the proposed talks, although neither party has entered formal discussions, and Mercedes are still interested in extending Russell’s deal beyond the end of this season.

One fan commented, “How exciting! Russell at Red Bull would be an interesting change for F1.”

Another suggested it wouldn’t be a great deal for Red Bull, stating, “Swapping Verstappen for Russell, what a bummer,” however, another fan simply said, “Magic swap.”

Many people were warning Russell against the move, as one comment read, “Don’t get involved there, Russell,” and another person said,

“It would be a big mistake for Russell if he does so.”

Red Bull’s reputation for moving drivers around precedes them, and one comment suggested, “It seems Russell is already testing the waters… and Horner isn’t wasting any time. “Informal” talks? We already know how it all starts at Red Bull. Don’t let anything surprise us in the coming months.”

Another reply simply said, “I don’t think Russell would be foolish enough to leave Mercedes.”

While one fan made a very outlandish prediction, stating, “Piastri goes to Red Bull after Norris snatches the championship.”

READ MORE: Know all about Red Bull team principal Christian Horner with net worth to wife

What options are available to Max Verstappen is he chooses to leave Red Bull?

It should be said that Verstappen himself has refused to comment on his future, and is letting the likes of Helmut Marko discuss it for him.

He’s demonstrated time and again over the past few years that he’s the quickest driver on the grid, giving him plenty of options should he decide to part ways with Red Bull.

Aston Martin would be keen on signing Verstappen, and if Russell did go the other way, then Verstappen could fill the vacant race seat at Mercedes in 2026.

Another option suggested would be for Verstappen to take a sabbatical, watch on from the sidelines for a year to see which team is the dominant force in Formula 1 under the new regulations, and begin negotiations with them.

Finally, if he did decide to return in 2027, Verstappen could end up at Ferrari, with Lewis Hamilton’s initial two-year contract running out at that point.