Aston Martin’s shock plan: snagging Russell to lead 2026 charge

Aston Martin has set its sights on a bold move to secure Mercedes star George Russell as the linchpin for their Formula 1 future from 2026, according to a report from Motorsport.com citing a “leading paddock source.”

With the biggest regulation overhaul in F1 history looming, the Silverstone-based outfit is banking on legendary designer Adrian Newey to craft a championship-contending car.

However, luring the 27-year-old Russell away from Mercedes, where his loyalty runs deep, could prove a tall order for a team yet to establish itself as a front-runner.

Russell, fresh off a commanding victory in Montreal, is out of contract with Mercedes at season’s end, fueling speculation about his future. When asked how his recent win might influence his contract talks, Russell was unfazed.

“It doesn't hurt. It doesn't hurt at all, but, you know, as I've said many times, I'm not concerned at all about next year,” he said in Montreal.

“I know I'm going to be on the grid next year, I feel that I'm driving better than ever and I still feel I've got more in the tank.

“I feel ready to fight for a world championship, and I think results like today, when we got half a chance of a good result, we're there to take it, and I'm pretty relaxed, just enjoying the moment, enjoying my racing, and just taking it week by week.”

Rock Solid Commitment to Mercedes

When pressed on whether he was “100% certain” of staying with Mercedes or engaging with other teams, Russell reaffirmed his commitment.

“No, I'm not talking with anybody else and any teams who have shown interest. I have been quite open to say my intentions are to stay with Mercedes. That's always been clear,” he said.

“And, you know, I am loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this chance to get into Formula 1.

“There haven’t been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, you know, especially around Max because, like I said numerous times, why wouldn't teams be interested in Max if everybody could, if every driver had a clean, no contracts for next year, Max would be the number one for every single team. And that's understandable.

“But ultimately there are two seats for every race team and I knew if I continued to perform as I'm doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever. So, I feel in a good place. We're in no rush to do contract negotiations.”

Mercedes’ Confidence and Aston’s Challenge

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff echoed Russell’s confidence, emphasizing the driver’s growth and natural leadership.

“He's been so long with us and he's growing,” said the Austrian.

“The steps he's made from the young driver in Williams, then coming to Mercedes at a difficult time, being on par with Lewis. And then since Lewis left, being clearly the leader of the team, senior driver in the team, and it comes naturally.

“It’s not like there's some politics. It’s just taken the place that he merits and deserves. How the ambience in the team is great. And we've agreed on some kind of timeline when we want to settle these things.

“With triple headers getting out of the way and one race after the other now in June and July. But we're going to get there. He's been a Mercedes junior in the same way that Kimi was since he was 16.

“So it isn't dependent on whether he wins a race, whether he performs, because we know he can.”

Aston Martin’s ambitions are clear, but convincing Russell to abandon his Mercedes roots will be no small feat. With Newey’s genius yet to translate into consistent podiums for the team, Russell’s proven talent and allegiance to Mercedes make this a high-stakes gamble for the Silverstone squad.

Read also: Russell’s Montreal pole gives Wolff a nudge on contract talks

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