New updates have been made regarding the Mercedes and Williams’ driver George Russell’s upcoming season. There have been numerous rumours regarding Russell and his switch to other teams in the next Formula 1 season.
Russell was heavily liked with the Mercedes F1 team, as some believe Bottas will be shown the door at the end of this season. As a result, Russell will be coming in to assist Lewis Hamilton next season. However, no decisions have been made regarding that situation as of now.
Another possible move would have been the Red Bull F1 team. Currently driving for Williams, Russell has shown his skills this season. The last few qualifying performances have made it certain that Russell can drive at the front with a decent car.
Amid the rumours, some believed that Red Bull would have been the next step if Mercedes decided to stick with Bottas. However, Russell has made it clear that his loyalty lies with Mercedes. He has clearly stated that he will only be driving a car with a Mercedes engine under the hood.
His performance in F1 so far
The upcoming star is currently driving for a non-competitive Williams. He is usually seen at the end of the grid with fellow young drivers such as Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin. Alongside his teammate Latifi, they are the only four drivers with 0 points.
However, the last few races have proved otherwise. His brilliant runs in Q3 and a few Top 10 qualifications have made it clear that Russell is the real deal. He is yet to score any points this season, but the last few performances have made the whole grid realise that he is not the one to be ignored.
The non-competitive and slow Williams has not been an issue to Russell in the last few races. The young brit has been going to Q2 and Q3 pushing the once-dominant Williams. Driving one race for Mercedes last season, his performance was massively praised. He, however, failed to get a podium due to pit stop troubles.
Russell has out-qualified his teammate Robert Kubica in his rookie year in every race of the season. He managed to pull the same off with Nicholas Latifi last season as well. It has been clear that with the right car; he is a force to be reckoned with.
Russell is committed to Mercedes
With the right car, George Russell could be championship material. On par with other First team drivers like Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen in terms of skills and driving abilities, he will be quite unstoppable in a fast car.
Since the Mercedes F1 team already have Hamilton booked for 2022 and Bottas’ form has returned. It might be unlikely for Russell to switch over to the main silver arrows team.
The next logical step would have been the Red Bull team with the second-fastest car on the grid and they are the current championship leaders. A contact there would’ve been complicated due to his Mercedes links and Perez’s good form, but certainly not impossible. Red Bull would have jumped some guns to get the brit a contract if he wished.
Russell, however, has made it clear that he is loyal to the silver arrows. “I am a Mercedes Driver. It is my car, it is my brand.” said the youngster. He has said he will only be driving a car with Mercedes associated with it. It could be a wise decision for the young driver, as he could be the main man for the Mercedes in the upcoming years as Hamilton and Bottas decide to call it quits with the motorsport.
