Formula 1 team’s secret meeting with rival driver ahead of grid shake up

The Formula 1 grid is preparing for a potentially almighty shake-up with Red Bull’s secret meeting with a rival driver being exposed.

Red Bull have held informal talks with George Russell over a shock move, according to reports.

There could be several changes in the paddock at the end of this year ahead of regulation changes coming to the sport in 2026, The Sun reports.

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Russell, 27, was promoted to Mercedes’ main driver this year following Sir Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari.

He joined the team three years ago and is out of contract at the end of the year.

So far there has been little activity from Mercedes with regard to extending his deal.

Red Bull chief Christian Horner has looked to capitalise on that ambiguity and has held informal talks with the driver, report The Race.

Horner has reportedly held talks with George. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The Mercedes driver is out of contract at the end of this year. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

It is possible Horner is lining up Russell as a potential replacement for Max Verstappen.

The four-time world champion also faces an uncertain future despite being contracted to Red Bull until 2028.

That is because he has an exit clause in his contract which could be activated later this year.

Reports have linked Verstappen with a move to Mercedes, while Aston Martin and McLaren are also interested in the Dutchman.

Verstappen and Russell could be two drivers to change seats after 2025. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is known to be a big fan of Verstappen, but Horner has played down speculation he could leave.

“I think noise is exactly the right word to describe it, there’s been a lot of noise outside of the team,” he said.

“Inside of the team Max reaffirmed his commitment yesterday, we’re focused on making the car go faster, Max is part of that and he’s a committed part of team. The rest is all speculation and hearsay.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Formula 1 team’s secret meeting with rival driver ahead of grid shake up