Surprising theory from Günther Steiner: Is George Russell interested in Audi?

George Russell started this year’s season as the clear favourite for the title. But it soon became apparent that his Mercedes team-mate, Kimi Antonelli, was setting the pace. A glance at the World Championship standings shows that the young Italian has already exceeded expectations in his second Formula 1 season. He headed into the summer break with a 50-point lead over Lewis Hamilton and a 59-point lead over his team-mate.

Russell has also had a run of bad luck this year, however; for instance, the course of the races often proved his undoing, and the car frequently let him down, as Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff emphasised in the paddock at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Nevertheless, the pressure weighing on his shoulders is immense. Is Russell therefore looking for an alternative to Mercedes? Günther Steiner, who long held the reins at the Haas team, is certain: the 28-year-old is toying with the idea of a move to the Audi team, albeit not until 2028. And he is not the only one eyeing a seat in the German works team.

Several drivers are eyeing an Audi seat for 2028

On ‘The Red Flags’ podcast, the South Tyrolean says: ‘There’s a lot of interest from drivers in Audi when it comes to the 2028 season. I think everything’s already sorted for next year, but perhaps there’s an opportunity for 2028. It’s an interesting team because they’re making good progress and are on the right track, judging by what they’re showing on the track.”

Steiner is certain that several GP stars have their sights set on an Audi seat: “There are a few candidates; I’d say Carlos Sainz is certainly one of them. And I think George is also looking around, now that he knows how good Kimi is. He won’t want to stay there for the rest of his life, because then he’d know exactly where he belongs. That’s why he’s looking for new opportunities.”