F1 Insider Tips Russell for Aston Martin Move If Verstappen Joins Mercedes

Former Formula 1 driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert has suggested that the best option for George Russell is to move to Aston Martin, in case Mercedes decides to replace him with Max Verstappen.

Rumors made the rounds a few weeks ago that Aston Martin may be interested in signing the British driver. However, Russell emphasized that he was loyal to Mercedes, given the support he received from the outfit since his early days in F1.

However, Russell didn’t shy away from acknowledging Mercedes’ ongoing talks with Verstappen. He admitted he is pushing harder and focusing on delivering his best this season, despite the uncertainty over his seat.

Russell’s current Mercedes contract expires at the end of 2025, and a contract extension is pending. Team principal Toto Wolff has acknowledged his interest in having Verstappen on board, but also pointed out it was less likely Verstappen would be at Mercedes next year. Wolff stressed that he hoped to sign the Dutch driver for the long-term future.

However, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner’s ousting last week might have changed the equation. While Verstappen pledged his loyalty to Red Bull a few weeks ago, it remains to be seen if Horner’s exit has shaken his confidence in the team, especially with the onset of a new era of regulations in 2026, the year when Red Bull Powertrains introduces its own power units for the first time.

Reports of Verstappen meeting Wolff off the coast of Sardinia add to rumors of Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes. Herbert reckons Russell has two options to remain in F1 if Verstappen moves to Mercedes: one is Aston Martin, given the rumors of the Silverstone-based team’s interest, and the other is the Alpine F1 team. Speaking to Escapist Magazine, as quoted by Planet F1, Herbert said:

“The potential for George Russell joining Aston Martin is still a possibility, I think there is an opportunity there for sure. Alpine is the only other one where there’s a seat.

“You don’t want to do a sit-out year because that is normally the worst thing that you do because things move far too quickly in Formula 1, and you could very easily suddenly get sort of pushed aside, even if you are George Russell.”

Alpine is set to become a Mercedes customer team next year. However, Herbert advised that Russell should consider a move to Aston Martin over the option of becoming Pierre Gasly’s teammate if Mercedes opts to replace him with Verstappen. The former FIA steward also presented another scenario that could play out. What if Aston Martin were to sign Verstappen? Herbert added:

“I would hope a bit of common sense comes in and I hope George is the one that Aston Martin do choose if they [Mercedes] choose Max. If Aston Martin choose Max, George is the best option they’ve got for the future with Mercedes.”