Steiner claims Russell exploring Audi move for 2028 as Mercedes future clouds

Guenther Steiner believes George Russell is already exploring options outside Mercedes, identifying Audi as a potential destination for the 2028 Formula 1 season. The former Haas team principal argues that the rapid rise of teammate Kimi Antonelli is forcing Russell to reconsider his long-term future at Brackley.

Why it matters:

Russell was signed as a cornerstone of Mercedes' future, but Antonelli's rookie campaign has upended the internal pecking order. With the Italian leading the championship on 219 points and Russell sitting 59 points behind in third, the British driver faces the real prospect of becoming the team's second reference point rather than its primary title hope.

The details:

• Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner claimed Russell is already "looking around" because he knows partnering Antonelli indefinitely could limit his standing at Mercedes.
• Antonelli became the youngest driver to lead the standings after consecutive victories in China and Japan, heading into the summer break with 219 points to Lewis Hamilton's 169 and Russell's 160.
• Toto Wolff has stated his intention to keep the current driver pairing through 2027, and Russell has publicly affirmed his commitment, yet Steiner insists a factory Audi seat in 2028 holds growing appeal for elite drivers.
• Audi completed its full takeover of Sauber at the start of 2026 and is backed by substantial Volkswagen Group investment, with Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley leading the operation.
• Steiner also named Carlos Sainz as a probable Audi target, indicating the emerging works team will have no shortage of experienced candidates.

What's next:

The 2028 driver market is beginning to take shape, and Audi offers the rare prospect of a project that a top driver can define from the front. Should Antonelli continue to set the pace at Mercedes and Verstappen rumors persist, Russell's position could become increasingly uncomfortable. He remains under contract for now, but the logic of starting fresh at Audi is steadily gaining credibility.