What Aston Martin staff are now saying about George Russell amid 2026 F1 seat switch rumours

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George Russell is one of the biggest talking points in the Formula 1 driver market, with the British driver still waiting to sign a new contract at Mercedes.

Mercedes are the best-placed team in the constructors’ championship, who have yet to confirm either of their drivers for the 2026 F1 season.

George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli are both out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

The Canadian Grand Prix couldn’t have gone much better for both drivers, who shared the podium for the first time this season.

Antonelli stepped up after an initial decent start to his maiden F1 season, but Russell has been sensational throughout the campaign.

In a slightly faster car, Russell would be a contender for the drivers’ championship, but all eyes are on whether 2026 might be the Brit’s first chance to truly challenge for the title.

People close to Russell believe he’s not pushing to leave Mercedes, but two teams have been linked with the four-time race winner.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has held informal chats with Russell, but the biggest source of interest is Aston Martin.

Journalist Jon Noble has now shared what one person within Aston Martin has told him about Russell as Lawrence Stroll’s outfit consider changing up their 2026 line-up.

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Aston Martin staff think George Russell would have to settle for ‘simulator driver’ role in 2026

Noble was speaking about Russell’s future on the Race’s YouTube channel and explained: “From Mercedes’ perspective, Russell doesn’t have a better option that’s available tomorrow.

“From Red Bull’s perspective, their preference is Max Verstappen, the likelihood is Max Verstappen is staying, and I think it’s pretty untenable to put Max and George into the same team the way that rivalry is bubbling away.

“I don’t think George fits into that ideal scenario [of a clear number one driver] for them, so that’s not really an option, even though we understand there were some informal chats, not about contracts, just about what your availability is.

“Christian Horner bumped into George on a couple of occasions, they had talks about what the situation is, but [it] hasn’t gone as far as do you want a deal.

“Beyond that, Aston Martin, there’s been rumours about that, but they’ve got Fernando Alonso under contract for next year, they’ve got Lance Stroll under contract for next year.

“So, someone from Aston Martin told me, unfortunately, Aston Martin can’t run a third car next year.

“So, unless George is interested in being a simulator driver or a development driver, there’s not really an option there for next year.

“But 2027 is a very different prospect, but that’s a bit more complicated to get over the line, knowing what Mercedes want to do.”

READ MORE: All to know about Aston Martin F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Lance Stroll’s Formula 1 future could be under threat after George Russell interest

Russell being linked with Aston Martin ultimately suggests one of their current drivers is under threat.

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are signed up for 2026, but team principal Andy Cowell would have to sacrifice one driver should Russell change his mind and decide he wants to switch teams.

Alonso is unlikely to continue racing beyond the end of next season due to his age, although if he’s in a winning car, it’s going to be difficult for Aston Martin to get him to step away.

Stroll’s recent injury could be used to move him aside from their Formula 1 team, although he recovered incredibly quickly to return for the Canadian Grand Prix.

The question for Aston Martin is whether Stroll is the man for the job if they’re going to win a world championship, whereas Russell is quickly proving he is a leading contender.