League: F1 Sport: Motorsports Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Red Bull missed chance to develop top F1 drivers Russell, Norris, and Piastri

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 5:01 AM

Last updated Oct 20, 2026

Red Bull missed chance to develop top F1 drivers Russell, Norris, and Piastri

Summary

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner revealed that the organization had opportunities to evaluate and offer contracts to George Russell, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri before they entered Formula 1. All three drivers impressed during simulator sessions but ultimately did not join Red Bull's junior program. Despite internal recognition of their talent, each driver pursued paths with rival teams; Russell with Mercedes, Norris with McLaren, and Piastri also with McLaren after stints with Renault and Alpine. Horner expressed regret over the missed opportunity for Red Bull as the drivers have found success in F1, Norris winning the 2025 championship.

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Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Horner disclosed Red Bull evaluated Russell, Norris, and Piastri before F1.
•All three drivers impressed in simulator sessions funded by their families.
•Russell and Norris entered F1 with rival teams in 2019.
•Piastri made his F1 debut in 2023 with McLaren after previous support from Renault.
•Norris won the 2025 title, defeating Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Latest Updates

5:01 AMYahoo Sports — Red Bull had three F1 stars in their hands – and let all three slip away

What they're saying

"
Christian Horner has disclosed that Red Bull had the opportunity to evaluate George Russell, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri before any of them reached Formula 1, with all three drivers impressing during sessions on the team's simulator. However, despite their performances attracting attention within the organisation, none eventually became part of Red Bull's junior programme.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Red Bull Racing Mercedes McLaren Alpine F1 Motorsports

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External links

Yahoo SportsOct 20, 2026, 5:01 AM
Red Bull had three F1 stars in their hands – and let all three slip away
Christian Horner has disclosed that Red Bull had the opportunity to evaluate George Russell, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri before any of them reached Formula 1, with all three drivers impressing during sessions on the team's simulator. However, despite their performances attracting attention within the organisation, none eventually became part of Red Bull's junior programme.

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