George Russell Linked to Potential Audi Move for 2028 F1 Season
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner said that British driver George Russell is exploring a possible switch from Mercedes to Audi for the 2028 Formula 1 season. Steiner highlighted internal dynamics at Mercedes, noting the pressure on Russell after teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli surged to the top of the drivers' standings with 219 points, ahead of Lewis Hamilton (169) and Russell (160).
Audi completed its takeover of the Sauber operation at the start of 2026 and is building a works team under the leadership of former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto and ex‑Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley. The German manufacturer, backed by the Volkswagen Group, is positioning itself as a future championship contender and has attracted interest from several drivers, including Carlos Sainz.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed a desire to retain the current driver lineup for 2027, and Russell has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the Silver Arrows. Nevertheless, Steiner suggested that Russell may be looking for a fresh project, especially as he does not want to remain paired with Antonelli for the rest of his career.
Entities: Andrea Kimi Antonelli · Audi · George Russell · Guenther Steiner · Kimi Antonelli · Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team · Mercedes‑AMG Petronas F1 Team
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Audi's Formula 1 project is led by Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley. (team leadership)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff wants to keep the current driver lineup for the 2027 season. (team principal)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Guenther Steiner said George Russell is considering a move to Audi for the 2028 Formula 1 season. (Steiner)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Audi completed the takeover of Sauber at the start of the 2026 season and plans to field its own team. (team acquisition)
- [● 3 SOURCES] George Russell has won seven races and is in his prime driving age. (career record)
- [● 4 SOURCES] George Russell is currently a driver for the Mercedes‑AMG Petronas Formula 1 team. (team roster)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Audi aims to become a championship‑contending team in Formula 1. (team ambition)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 drivers' championship with 219 points, ahead of Lewis Hamilton (169) and George Russell (160). (standings)