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Ferrari chiefs are interested in making a surprise move for George Russell, according to reports in Italy. Last month, it was revealed that Russell had signed a new contract at Mercedes after months of protracted negotiations. The deal is said to include a clause that would take him into 2027 if he meets certain performance targets next year.
However, it has been claimed that Ferrari are weighing up a bombshell approach for the 27-year-old. He is held in high regard by Maranello chiefs and has emerged as an option for the future, according to Italian outlet Corriere della Sera. The report states that Russell would be shipped out by the Silver Arrows if they manage to sign Max Verstappen in the coming years.
That would make him an attractive option for Ferrari, who are said to be at risk of losing both of their drivers. It is claimed that Charles Leclerc could seek an exit if the Italian outfit are unable to get themselves back into title contention.
Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, has endured a torrid campaign and reports have suggested that his contract will not be renewed unless there are significant improvements.
He will be 42 at the start of the 2027 season, an age at which no driver has won an F1 race since Jack Brabham in South Africa in 1970.
It is currently unclear whether or not Hamilton would want to continue in F1 past 2026, given his decline over the last few seasons.
Earlier this year, he told L'Equipe that he had 'no intention' of stopping despite his struggles in 2025. He also revealed his keenness to bring success to Ferrari and win his eighth Drivers' Championship title.
"I don't plan on stopping anytime soon," insisted Hamilton. "I really appreciate Fernando continuing, because it means he's older than me. Yeah, I'm just going to keep going, until he's 50."
Quizzed on his title ambitions, he added: "Yes, that's for sure. Because it hasn't happened for a long time, I don't even know how long they [Ferrari] have been waiting.
"For Ferrari more than any team, this title would mean a lot, but I would really like to win the drivers' title as well."
It remains to be seen if Ferrari will need to sign another driver in the coming years, with Russell seemingly an option if Leclerc or Hamilton end up leaving the team.