Mercedes Announce George Russell...read more

George Russell to Leave Mercedes Ahead of 2026 F1 Season in Shocking Development

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, Mercedes-AMG Petronas has officially announced that George Russell will leave the team at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The confirmation, made public via Mercedes’ official media channels, marks the end of a pivotal chapter in the young British driver’s Formula 1 journey.

The announcement comes as a major surprise, considering Russell’s growing influence within the team since joining Mercedes full-time in 2022. Over the past seasons, he has consistently delivered strong performances, often emerging as a reliable figure during a challenging period of transition for the Brackley-based outfit.

Speaking on the decision, Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed both gratitude and admiration for Russell’s efforts over the years. “George has been an essential part of our team — not just as a driver but as a contributor to our technical and cultural evolution,” Wolff stated. “His professionalism, talent, and relentless pursuit of improvement have made a lasting impact. We are proud of what we achieved together and wish him the absolute best as he embarks on a new chapter.”

While no official word has been given on who will replace Russell, the Formula 1 rumor mill is already in overdrive. Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen has been heavily linked with a sensational switch to Mercedes — a move that, if confirmed, would dramatically reshape the competitive landscape of Formula 1 and ignite a new era of rivalry.

The reasons behind Russell’s departure have not been fully disclosed, but speculation suggests that the driver is eyeing a high-profile transfer to Red Bull Racing, the very team Verstappen currently leads. Some insiders believe this could be part of an unprecedented driver swap deal between the two powerhouses — an event that would be historic in the sport’s modern era.

George Russell has yet to issue a personal statement, but sources close to the driver hint at his excitement over the opportunities ahead. After spending his formative years at Williams and proving his worth at Mercedes, Russell is seen as entering the prime of his career and may be seeking a new challenge at the front of the grid.

This announcement adds another layer of intrigue to what is already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and dramatic driver markets in recent memory. With multiple top-tier drivers possibly changing teams, the 2026 season promises to usher in a new chapter in F1 — filled with fresh rivalries, team dynamics, and strategic reinventions.

More details are expected in the coming weeks as both Mercedes and Red Bull prepare for what could be a seismic shift in their driver lineups.