Johnny Herbert thinks Aston Martin are ‘playing a game’ with George Russell to hide who they’re actually signing

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George Russell overshadowed the build-up to the 2025 F1 Austrian Grand Prix after he revealed that Mercedes are in ongoing talks with Max Verstappen to sign Red Bull ace.

The 27-year-old went public with his belief that Mercedes are speaking to Verstappen at Red Bull’s home race, with Russell still waiting for the Silver Arrows to decide if he has a future in Brackley. The Briton and Andrea Kimi Antonelli are both currently out of contract after 2025.

Russell last signed a fresh deal with Mercedes in August 2023, which tied him in through the 2025 F1 season. But even the Briton replacing Lewis Hamilton as their team leader this term has not yet been enough to encourage team boss Toto Wolff to put new terms on the table.

So, Russell revealed that Mercedes are in ongoing talks with Verstappen at the Austrian GP, which he would finish in fifth place to reach 146 points for the term so far. Wolff confirmed that Mercedes are speaking to Verstappen, as well, as he explores the best possible line-up.

Johnny Herbert wonders if Aston Martin are using George Russell to hide that they’re signing Max Verstappen

Russell would only have a few options to stay at the front of the F1 grid were he not to earn a new contract with Mercedes. Aston Martin and Red Bull have both shown an interest in a move, with the latter needing a top-tier name were Verstappen to break out of his contract.

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Yet while reports claim that Aston Martin have expressed an interest in signing Russell, their true desire to sign the four-time Grand Prix winner has been questioned by Johnny Herbert. He wonders if Aston Martin are only using Russell to hide that they are signing Verstappen.

“He still hasn’t signed,” Herbert told Vision4Sport, via quotes by sport.de. “But what I’m wondering is, which side is playing a game? There are rumours about George and Aston Martin. Or are Aston Martin just playing a game because Max is supposedly going there?

“But it could also be that George is only pretending to negotiate with Aston Martin because he still doesn’t have a contract ready for [his] signature at Mercedes. So, it could also just be a game on George’s part.”

Mercedes lead Aston Martin in the race to sign Red Bull driver Max Verstappen

Aston Martin have a £1bn five-year contract ready for Verstappen were he to trigger one of the exit clauses in the four-time reigning drivers’ champion’s contract with Red Bull. Owner Lawrence Stroll is eager to position the Silverstone natives for in case he becomes available.

But it was expected that Verstappen will reject Aston Martin and stay at Red Bull in 2026, as the Dutchman doubts how competitive their car will be with F1’s new regulations next year. Yet the lack of form that Red Bull are enjoying this year is opening the door for him to leave.

An exit clause in Verstappen’s Red Bull contract through 2028 is now ready after he finished June outside the top two in the F1 drivers’ championship. But Aston Martin are also unlikely to be leading the race, as Verstappen is considering joining Mercedes before F1’s 2026 rules.

So, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has held informal talks with Russell about a deal for him to possibly replace Verstappen if the Dutchman joins Mercedes. Aston Martin would also have to release Fernando Alonso or Lance Stroll to free a place in their garage next year.