Ferrari eyes George Russell for 2027 season
Ferrari is reportedly interested in signing Mercedes driver George Russell for the 2027 Formula One campaign, as Italian media sources indicate that the Scuderia considers the 27-year-old Briton a promising prospect for their future lineup, reports BritPanorama.
The Italian publication Corriere della Sera has revealed that executives at Maranello are contemplating a potential approach for Russell, who has recently renewed his contract with Mercedes. This deal could last through 2027, contingent on the driver’s performance in the upcoming 2026 season.
Russell’s impressive form this season, which includes victories in both Canada and Singapore, has evidently captured Ferrari’s attention. In contrast, his former teammate Lewis Hamilton is facing a difficult period, currently enduring a barren spell of twenty races without a podium finish, leaving him in sixth place with 146 points.
Hamilton’s challenging season has seen him become the Ferrari driver with the longest podium drought in four decades, raising questions about his future with the team as contract renewal discussions loom for 2026. In comparison, Russell sits fourth in the championship standings, highlighting his value to teams like Ferrari.
The outlook for Ferrari’s current lineup remains uncertain. Leclerc’s representatives have reportedly had conversations with several teams, including Aston Martin and McLaren, as the Italian outfit grapples with a continuing championship drought that has reached seventeen years. Should Hamilton and Leclerc both leave, Ferrari would face a significant overhaul of their driver pairing.
Amidst the shifting dynamics of F1, Russell’s future may also depend on Mercedes’ potential pursuit of four-time champion Max Verstappen. If the Brackley team succeeds in luring Verstappen, Russell could find himself surplus to requirements despite his recent renewal at Mercedes. As the 2026 campaign approaches, the complex nature of driver contracts and performances underscores the fluidity of the current driver market.
In a sport defined by the fine margins of performance and reputation, Russell’s trajectory may ultimately shape the future of one of F1’s most storied teams. For Hamilton, the drive for an eighth world championship continues, even as the shadows of uncertainty loom larger.
