Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: George Russell, Mercedes, Formula 1
Ryan Smart
George Russell has emerged as the 'top target' for another Formula 1 team after winning the Canadian Grand Prix with Mercedes.
The Brit picked up his first victory of 2025 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, finishing ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli.
Russell qualified on pole and fended off an early charge from Verstappen to be largely untroubled for the remainder of the Grand Prix.
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He was sent to the stewards' room post-race after Red Bull lodged two protests surrounding his actions under a late-race safety car, but the FIA dismissed both protests and Russell kept his win.
Russell's Mercedes contract expires at the end of the 2025 season.
Speaking ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, the Brit stated that there had been no progress over a new deal, but that he wanted to stay with the Silver Arrows in 2026.
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"We've got bigger fish to fry at the moment," he told media. "Which is making our car go faster.
"I know I'm going to be in Formula 1 next year. My intention and goal is to stay with Mercedes and I think that's very much the intention of Toto as well."
If Russell did decide to leave Mercedes, he would not be short of potential options - though drives at top teams McLaren and Ferrari would not be available as their drivers are all under contract.
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Last season, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hinted that his team may be interested in signing Russell to drive alongside Verstappen - though the deterioration of the two drivers' relationship since then may have lowered the chances of that happening.
Instead, Motorsport.com claim that it is Aston Martin who have made Russell a 'top target' to join the team from 2026 onwards.
The Silverstone-based team have made major moves in the past 12 months as they look to become title contenders, including the high-profile arrival of ex-Red Bull technical supremo Adrian Newey as a managing technical partner.
The 66-year-old will spearhead design and development of the team's 2026 challenger, and it is reported that Aston want Russell to drive it.
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If he is signed, he would more than likely be driving alongside two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard's contract expires at the end of 2026, while team-mate Lance Stroll - whose father Lawrence owns the team - is only on a year-by-year deal.