Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. HOME News Politics Royal Showbiz & TV Sport Comment Finance Travel Life & Style Football Tennis F1 Boxing UFC Cricket Rugby Golf Racing NFL NBA Other George Russell has been linked with a shock exit from Mercedes.
George Russell is expected to become the senior driver at Mercedes when Lewis Hamilton departs (Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Audi could make a surprise bid for George Russell if their attempts to sign Carlos Sainz fall through, according to reports.
Sainz’s potential move to Sauber in 2025 is well-known. Audi’s interest in the Spanish driver pre-dates his search for a new team next season, following Ferrari’s announcement that they will replace him with Lewis Hamilton.
Audi have already secured Nico Hulkenberg, but the German car manufacturer has struggled to get their other top target to commit. Sainz has multiple options and continues to postpone his final decision, holding out hope that Mercedes might become an option again.
Sainz has shown more interest in other teams than Audi and nearly signed with Williams recently – according to The Mirror. To add insult to injury for Sauber, their backup choice, Esteban Ocon, is also set to sign elsewhere after agreeing to join Haas.
This could force Audi to keep one of the current Sauber drivers. The Germans have made no secret of their preference to bring in two external candidates, but either Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu could secure an extension if Audi fails to land any of their top targets.
Sauber reserves, including last year’s Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire and current F2 frontrunner Zane Maloney, are in the frame too, but they could be only considered for the short-term.
This is because the 2026 season could see a shake-up with bigger names hitting the market. Motorsport Magazin from Germany report George Russell could be a potential target, noting his Mercedes contract concludes at the end of next year.
A video from the outlet stated: “If Carlos Sainz doesn’t come, then it could be really only a temporary solution, because in 2026 the driver market carousel turns again. George Russell and co. may be on the market. You don’t want to spoil that with a Bottas or whoever. There will most likely be only a short interim solution.”
However, luring Russell away from Mercedes could be a tall order for Audi, as they’re newcomers to F1 compared to the established Silver Arrows, who view Russell as a key player post-Hamilton.
Russell is set to step out of Hamilton’s shadow and take the reins as team leader, likely alongside rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Having signed his current contract under the assumption he would be racing with the seven-time champion, Russell is unlikely to consider leaving in the near future, particularly if the team maintains its upward performance trajectory.
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