Is Russell the latest catch in Ferrari’s fishing trip? The rumour mill at Ferrari is churning again, and this time it’s reeling in a big name: George Russell. According to whispers from the Italian press, the Mercedes driver could be on Ferrari’s radar as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton when the seven-time world champion eventually leaves Maranello.
However, before anyone orders a red suit for the Mercedes driver, it should be noted that this ‘news’ smells suspiciously like something caught at the local fish market rather than a confirmed catch.
Serious FIA ‘cover-up’ allegations
The Italian and British rumour factories
Let’s start with the usual suspects. The British tabloids, the loudest voices in the Formula 1 paddock, are notorious for spinning stories faster than an RB21 through Copse Corner. Yet, despite their creative headlines, they tend to have their ears to the ground, or at least to the team radios. They’re often at the circuits, mingling with mechanics and overhearing the occasional loose-lipped PR assistant.
The Italians, on the other hand, play a different game. Publications such as La Gazzetta dello Sport enjoy an enviable reputation for passion and poetry, but not necessarily for proximity.
In 2024, Gazzetta’s on-site attendance reportedly extended to just two races, both of which were conveniently held in Italy. This may explain why their Ferrari stories sometimes read like romantic fan fiction penned in a Milan café rather than fact-checked journalism from the pit lane.
Vasseur and the Italian press engage in a delicate dance
Ferrari team boss Frédéric Vasseur knows the power of the Italian media all too well. He has been declared fired, rehired and fired again, all without leaving his desk. Yet here he remains, steering the Scuderia through the turbulent waters of expectation and espresso-fuelled speculation. Newspapers must fill their pages daily, and nothing sells in Italy like a bit of Ferrari melodrama.
So, when rumours began circulating that Hamilton might be shown the door after 2026, it was only a matter of time before names started being scribbled down for his successor.
Enter George Russell: clean-cut, sharp-suited and, conveniently, British. Apparently, he’s now on Ferrari’s ‘radar’, although how large or active that radar actually is remains a mystery.
Hamilton Ferrari replacement now lined up
The reality of Ferrari’s ‘shadow list’
Every Formula 1 team keeps a quiet shortlist of potential recruits, usually a mix of established stars and promising prodigies. Ferrari’s list, if it exists, probably includes Russell, as well as Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, because why not dream big? However, a name on a list does not guarantee a transfer.
The idea of Russell swapping silver for scarlet in 2027 raises more questions than it answers.
If Mercedes bounce back with the new regulations and Russell finds himself fighting for titles, he would be crazy to leave. Stability and success tend to be quite persuasive. Conversely, if Mercedes continue to languish in the mid-pack, then perhaps Ferrari could become an appealing prospect, provided, of course, that Hamilton retires and does not simply rebrand himself as Ferrari’s elder statesman and sponsor magnet.
Toto Wolff admits to remaining bitter over 2021 result, although the facts suggest Masi got it right
Ferrari’s future and Hamilton’s fate
Even if Hamilton steps aside, Ferrari’s first choice would surely be Verstappen, the sport’s four-time champion and perennial headline maker. However, convincing Max to trade Red Bull’s performance for Ferrari’s politics would require negotiation skills worthy of Machiavelli.
Ultimately, this latest rumour is just another example of Formula 1’s favourite pastime: silly season storytelling. The ingredients are simple: one famous team, one star driver and one splashy headline, and voilà, instant intrigue. What are the odds of Russell replacing Hamilton at Ferrari right now? About as likely as the Italian media agreeing on a single version of events.
So, while entertaining, this notion should be taken with a generous pinch of salt. Ferrari may be scouting for a future star, but this one seems far from hooked. What do you think? Is this the start of a Maranello master plan or just another fishy tale from the paddock press?
Red Bull boss: Verstappen’s new team mate?
F1’s first lap free for all should be scrapped – says ex-F1 driver
MORE F1 NEWS – Newey admits Aston Martin weakness which may take 2 years to fix
Adrian Newey is now considered one of the finest Formula One engineers ever to grace the sport. With 26 drivers’ and constructors’ championships under his belt, the man from Essex is legendary for his old school approach to designing an F1 car with his artist’s style easel and charcoal pencils which create the sketches which go on to dominate motor racing.
Newey left Red Bull last year after almost two decades of steering the direction of the technical team. He decided to join Aston Martin after team owner Lawrence Stroll offered him complete control over all matters technical and a wedge of equity in the iconic British Racing marque.
He has been tasked primarily with creating a competitive 2026 car for the Silverstone based team and with the arrival of Honda as a ‘works’ partner, Aston Martin are tipped to be one of the top teams when the cars hit the track in January.
Newey’s infamous grid “prowl”
There has been over £200m invested in the infrastructure of Aston Martin, with state of the art facilities now complete, together with a new wind tunnel and modelling software which the team expect to export the the max.
In the 21st century world of F1 where time is no one’s friend, Newey remains faithful to his principals which include examining his rivals creation’s in person. F1 “spy photography” has been a huge business for more than a decade, with team’s employing dedicated photographers to take pictures ion their rivals racing prototype to discover the secrets locked away.
Yet despite this technology, Adrian Newey prefers the ways of old. Whilst he’s not been at many of the races this season, he is infamous for his ‘grid prowl’ before the start of the Grand Prix. He wanders amongst the rival racing prototypes with his clipboard and pencil in hand. Now Newey reveals the reason for his actions on Grand Prix Sunday and addresses the matter of the teams investing in spy photography…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
Craig.J. Alderson is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Craig oversees newsroom operations and coordinates editorial output across the site. With a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing, he plays a key role in maintaining consistency, speed, and accuracy in TJ13’s coverage.
During race weekends, Craig acts as desk lead, directing contributors, prioritising breaking stories, and ensuring timely publication across a fast-moving news cycle.
Craig’s work focuses heavily on real-time developments in the paddock, including team updates, regulatory decisions, and emerging controversies. This role requires a detailed understanding of Formula 1’s operational flow, from practice sessions through to race-day strategy and post-race fallout.
With experience managing editorial teams, Craig ensures that TJ13 delivers structured, reliable coverage while maintaining the site’s distinctive voice.
Craig has a particular interest in how information moves within the paddock environment, and how rapidly developing stories can be accurately translated into clear, accessible reporting for readers.
