Former Formula 1 team principal Günther Steiner believes George Russell may be considering options beyond Mercedes, potentially eyeing a move to Audi for the 2028 season. Steiner’s assessment follows Russell’s challenging performance in the current 2026 season, particularly in contrast to teammate Kimi Antonelli’s emergence.
Steiner stated on the Red Flag Podcast that Russell has only a ‘five per cent chance’ of securing the 2026 world championship. This verdict came after the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Russell finished seventh while Antonelli claimed third.
Russell currently sits third in the drivers’ standings, 59 points behind the 19-year-old Antonelli, who leads the championship. Antonelli has secured six victories this season and became the youngest driver to lead the standings.
Steiner attributes Antonelli’s strong form to the 2026 regulations. He suggests Antonelli benefits from having ‘no baggage from previous generations of cars’ and ‘no old habits to unlearn’.
Conversely, Steiner believes Russell, having driven ‘a certain type of car for years’, must ‘reprogram’ himself for the new aerodynamic and electrical demands of the 2026 machinery.
Despite Steiner’s comments, Russell’s position at Mercedes for 2026 is guaranteed. His contract includes a specific performance clause for 2027, allowing for automatic renewal if certain goals are met during the current season.
Russell himself confirmed in June 2026 that he would ‘100 percent’ be racing for Mercedes in 2027, indicating the activation of his contract option or the fulfilment of performance criteria.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also expects Russell and Antonelli to remain with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season. Wolff has emphasized stability as a priority for the team.
However, speculation persists regarding Max Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes for 2027. Wolff has not entirely ruled out a future partnership between Antonelli and Verstappen.
Reports indicate Mercedes had explored the option of signing Verstappen before confirming Russell’s contract extension for the 2026 season.
Steiner’s prediction of an Audi move for Russell in 2028 highlights the competitive driver market. Carlos Sainz is also considered a potential candidate for Audi.
Audi, in its inaugural season as a works team in Formula 1, has shown promising performance with both its chassis and power unit.
