Italian media have linked George Russell to a shock move to Ferrari amid uncertainty about his future with Mercedes.
Russell penned a new deal with Mercedes in October alongside teammate Kimi Antonelli. His extension was delayed for a lengthy period as the Silver Arrows pursued a move for Max Verstappen.
When a deal could not be made, Mercedes eventually retained their two drivers. However, the team made it clear in the announcement that Russell and Antonelli were signed for 2026, potentially leaving the door open for an exit in 2027.
| TEAM | DRIVER 1 | DRIVER 2 |
| Alpine | Pierre Gasly | Franco Colapinto |
| Aston Martin | Fernando Alonso | Lance Stroll |
| Audi | Gabriel Bortoleto | Nico Hulkenberg |
| Cadillac | Valtteri Bottas | Sergio Perez |
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc | Lewis Hamilton |
| Haas | Esteban Ocon | Oliver Bearman |
| McLaren | Lando Norris | Oscar Piastri |
| Mercedes | George Russell | Kimi Antonelli |
| Racing Bulls | Liam Lawson | Arvid Lindblad |
| Red Bull Racing | Max Verstappen | Isack Hadjar |
| Williams | Alex Albon | Carlos Sainz |
Russell believed that Verstappen would replace him if Mercedes signed the Dutchman, with the team viewing Antonelli as a future star. He has since confirmed that his seat will be guaranteed for 2027 if he meets performance clauses.
But the uncertainty around his future has led many to speculate when he could go if he leaves Mercedes. He has been recently linked with a stunning move to Ferrari, with the Maranello outfit reportedly eyeing the 27-year-old.

F1 fans think George Russell will not join Ferrari in 2027 – they think the seat is for Oliver Bearman
It has been reported that Ferrari will not offer Lewis Hamilton a new contract beyond 2026. He has the option to extend his deal into 2027, but it is unclear if he wants to continue in F1.
Furthermore, Charles Leclerc is considering his future at Ferrari as he expresses frustration over the team’s lack of success. They could risk losing both of their drivers in 2027, which would, in theory, open the door for Russell.
However, many F1 fans believe that such a move will not happen. They took to X (formerly Twitter) to say that the seat will go to Oliver Bearman, who is being lined up by Ferrari for the future.
“Lmao Bearman is getting the seat,” one fan wrote. Another said: “They’d be foolish not to consider Bearman.”
One user said: “Bearman is a Ferrari Academy driver so I think he will be next.” Another stated that Russell could only join Ferrari if Leclerc left: “Unless Charles leaves, the Lewis seat is Ollie’s to lose.”
Another fan was in agreement as they wrote: “This is most likely if Leclerc decides to leave, Bearman is locked in for Hamilton replacement.”
Finally, one fan backed Bearman for the seat: “I’d rather see Ollie Bearman in that seat when Hamilton retires from Ferrari. I don’t see Russel walking away from Mercedes any time soon but even if he’s willing to, Bearman’s delivered results in a decidedly backmarker car and I think he’s earned his shot.”
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Where else could George Russell go if he leaves Mercedes?
Naturally, Russell will want to stay with Mercedes and fight for a world championship under the new regulations. However, Toto Wolff will certainly not give up his interest in Verstappen, which could see the Brit moving on in 2027.
Ferrari would have a seat available, but with other candidates lined up already, a move to Maranello may not be realistic for Russell.
| Position | Drivers' Championship | Points |
| 1 | Lando Norris | 357 |
| 2 | Oscar Piastri | 356 |
| 3 | Max Verstappen | 321 |
| 4 | George Russell | 258 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | 210 |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton | 146 |
| 7 | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | 97 |
| 8 | Alexander Albon | 73 |
| 9 | Nico Hulkenberg | 41 |
| 10 | Isack Hadjar | 39 |
Currently sitting fourth in the standings with two wins, he would be one of, if not the best, free agents on the Formula 1 driver market. Many teams in the paddock have expressed an interest in the Mercedes star.
Aston Martin have been linked with Russell, while Red Bull are also said to be admirers. Mercedes is his top priority, but he may have to consider other options if a deal with Verstappen is reached.
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