Aston Martin boss downplays Russell links as he eyes “stability” for 2026

Ahead of the British Grand Prix, Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell responded to questions over the speculation connecting George Russell to the Silverstone team. While he didn’t specifically deny his interest in the Briton, he emphasised an interest in stability going into 2026, implying that there is no room for the Mercedes ace. 

“We’re super fortunate. We’ve got this exciting run into 2026,” Cowell said. “And as Christian mentioned, changing the power unit. We’re working with Honda on that. Changing the aerodynamics. We’ve got Adrian working on that. We’ve got new facilities.

“But the stability that we’ve got in having Lance and Fernando signed up for next year means that they’re not only helping us now develop the tools that we’re using for 2026, 2027, and beyond, but they’re working directly on the concept of the car.”

In recent weeks, reports have hinted at a growing relationship between Russell and Aston Martin, as his seat at Mercedes appears to be less secure each passing day. Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff has previously confirmed that he is in talks with Max Verstappen, but so far, nothing concrete has come to fruition.

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing

Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images

Regardless, it would only be natural for Russell to be having his own conversations, and Aston Martin is a team that has reportedly expressed its interest in the driver. Given Aston Martin’s investment going into 2026, it would come as no surprise to hear that Russell is interested.

According to Cowell, his focus is on stability as the regulations change for next season. Armed with state-of-the-art facilities, a powertrain by Honda, and Adrian Newey as technical partner, the team is looking forward to the change in ruleset. 

“So, you know, the discussions in the wind tunnel are about the aerodynamic shape, but they’re also about, you know, driver environment, how much space is there in the cockpit,” Cowell continued.

“Adrian intends not to leave much space in the cockpit. Everything’s exceptionally tight. But that stability of having two drivers signed up through into 2026 is really helping us.”

Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are currently contracted through 2026, and the team’s ambitions are high, with team owner Lawrence Stroll focussing heavily on transforming the team into a championship-winning outfit for the change in regulations. 

But speculation surrounding Russell is mounting, and with him being one of the best drivers on the grid currently, I’d think most teams are keeping a close eye on how this story unfolds. 

Photos from British GP – Practice