Could George Russell be heading to Red Bull in the future? Team boss Christian Horner doesn’t seem to rule out a collaboration with the Mercedes driver. Russell’s current contract with Mercedes expires at the end of 2025, and according to Horner, it would be “foolish” for Red Bull not to take this into account.
Russell will be driving for the German racing team from 2022 and has a contract until the end of 2025. However, his team boss Toto Wolff still leaves the door ajar for Max Verstappen, making Russell’s future uncertain after next season. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, on the other hand, sees potential in the young Brit.
“We’re not afraid to look beyond our driver pool,” Horner told Sky Sports F1. “George Russell’s contract ends next year. It would be foolish not to consider this. There are other drivers, talented drivers, who could also become contract-free.”
Even if Max Verstappen decides to stay with Red Bull, there’s still a chance for Russell to secure a spot at Red Bull. Sergio Pérez underperformed in 2024, leaving the Mexican’s future with the Austrian racing stable uncertain. “The Red Bull system demands results and performance, and of course Max delivers that. Checo has underperformed this year,” explains Horner. “Last year he did well, or well enough, by finishing second in the championship.”
Is Lawson also an option?
In addition to Russell, Horner is also looking at drivers within Red Bull’s own talent pool, particularly New Zealand’s Liam Lawson. However, the team boss doubts whether Lawson is already at the desired level. “We have a number of great talents, we have Liam Lawson on the bench. We’re not sure if he’s at that level, looking at, for example, Colapinto, Bearman, and Antonelli. Only time will tell.”
