George Russell earned the first win of the season as he claimed a controversial victory for Mercedes in Canada and he has now been linked with making a sensational move to a rival team

George Russell is out of contract at the end of the season(Image: Getty Images)

Aston Martin are plotting a sensational move for George Russell with his future still in doubt. The British driver is out of contract with Mercedes come the end of the season and there is currently no sign of a renewal.

Mercedes are keen to keep Russell but it appears that he has admirers elsewhere ahead of next season. According to Autosport, Aston Martin are keen to make a move for him ahead of next season as part of their dramatic overhaul.

They have given former McLaren and Red Bull chief Adrian Newey the responsibility of designing a competitive car ahead of the new engine and chassis regulations being brought in. And Russell could be a contender to drive from next year.

Speaking about his future, Russell said: “No, I’m not talking with anybody else and any teams who have shown interest. I have been quite open to say my intentions are to stay with Mercedes. That’s always been clear.

“I am loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this chance to get into Formula 1. There haven’t been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, especially around Max because, like I said numerous times, why wouldn’t teams be interested in Max?

“If everybody could, if every driver had a clean, no contracts for next year, Max would be the number one for every single team. And that’s understandable.

“But ultimately there are two seats for every race team and I knew if I continued to perform as I’m doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever. So, I feel in a good place. We’re in no rush to do contract negotiations.”

Aston Martin currently have Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll in their two seats. The former has a contract until the end of next season, while Stroll’s own deal is on a year-by-year basis albeit his father owns the team so his future looks slightly more certain.

Aston Martin’s seats are currently occupied by Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso(Image: Grtty Images)

Reports over Russell’s future comes after his first win of the season at the Canadian GP. Red Bull attempted to protest his success, an appeal that was dismissed.

Speaking after his win, Russell suggested that it would not have done his hopes of a new contract with Mercedes any harm. He added: “It doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t hurt at all, but as I’ve said many times, I’m not concerned at all about next year. I know I’m going to be on the grid.

“I feel that I’m driving better than ever. I still feel I’ve got more in the tank. I feel ready to fight for a world championship, and I think results like today, when we got half a chance of a good result, we’re there to take it, and I’m pretty relaxed, just enjoying the moment, enjoying my racing, and just taking it week by week.”