George Russell to Leave Mercedes at End of 2025 Season, Team Confirms Strategic Shift
In a major development ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 regulation changes, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Team Principal Toto Wolff has officially confirmed that George Russell will not be part of the team’s driver lineup beyond the 2025 season. This announcement ends months of speculation surrounding Russell’s future at the Brackley-based squad and ushers in a new phase for the Silver Arrows.
The confirmation came through a formal statement released earlier today, where Wolff offered words of appreciation for Russell’s efforts and contributions since joining the team. However, he made it clear that the team is preparing for a fresh competitive approach as the sport heads into a new regulatory era in 2026.
> “George has been a crucial part of our journey over the past few years,” said Wolff. “But as we begin shaping our future in anticipation of the changes coming in 2026, we’ve decided to reconfigure our driver strategy to better align with our long-term ambitions.”
Russell joined Mercedes as a full-time driver in 2022, after several seasons with Williams where he built a reputation as one of the most promising young talents on the grid. Although he secured his maiden Grand Prix victory at the 2022 São Paulo Grand Prix and delivered a number of strong performances, his time at Mercedes has also seen periods of inconsistency and challenges, particularly when paired against seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Despite his flashes of pace and evident technical feedback, Russell has struggled to fully cement his place as the team’s long-term leader — something that appears to have influenced Mercedes’ decision as they look toward rebuilding in a fiercely competitive environment.
Mercedes Eyes a New Era — Possibly with Verstappen?
While Russell’s departure was the main headline, Wolff’s statement hinted at broader ambitions, notably suggesting that Mercedes is positioning itself to return to the top by 2026. He spoke of “reshaping the team’s structure” and “building a foundation for dominance,” which has only fueled speculation that Mercedes might be preparing a major move for one of the sport’s current elite drivers.
Among the most widely rumored names is Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion currently at Red Bull Racing. Tensions at Red Bull throughout the 2025 season — including internal power struggles and political friction — have led to whispers that Verstappen may be open to a new challenge elsewhere, and Mercedes has reportedly been laying the groundwork to make a serious offer should the opportunity arise.
Whether Verstappen will make such a dramatic move remains to be seen, but Mercedes is clearly setting the stage for an aggressive driver market strategy.
What’s Next for George Russell?
With Mercedes moving in a different direction, the spotlight now turns to where George Russell might continue his F1 journey. Though no team has officially confirmed discussions, several sources within the F1 paddock indicate that Russell and his management team have already initiated conversations with other outfits.
Three potential landing spots have emerged as front-runners:
1. Aston Martin – The Lawrence Stroll-owned team has invested heavily in personnel and infrastructure, and could view Russell as a long-term successor to Fernando Alonso if the veteran Spaniard decides to retire or reduce his involvement.
2. Sauber/Audi – The Hinwil-based team, currently operating under the Sauber name but preparing to transition to full factory backing from Audi in 2026, is actively scouting young, experienced talent to spearhead its long-term ambitions.
3. Williams – A potential homecoming cannot be ruled out. Russell made his F1 debut with Williams and retains a close relationship with key figures at the team. If Williams continues its upward development trajectory, bringing Russell back could be a mutually beneficial move.
Other possibilities remain on the table, including Haas or Alpine, depending on how the 2026 grid takes shape.
A Shifting F1 Landscape
The news of Russell’s impending exit is just one part of a much larger reshuffle taking place in the F1 driver market. With new engine regulations arriving in 2026 and several contracts expiring at the end of 2025, teams are already making moves behind the scenes to secure the best driver lineups for the future.
For Mercedes, the decision to part ways with Russell signals a clear intent to reset and return to the front of the grid — potentially with a bold signing like Verstappen, or a younger talent who fits their long-term development strategy.
Meanwhile, Russell remains a highly rated driver and is unlikely to be without a seat for long. His experience, technical acumen, and strong performances — despite an often difficult car — make him a valuable asset for any team looking to build around a capable and marketable talent.
As the 2025 season continues, all eyes will remain on both Mercedes’ next signing and George Russell’s next move. One thing is certain: the 2026 driver lineup carousel is officially in motion, and it’s going to be a wild ride.
