Don’t Want to Fight for 16th Anymore: George Russell Issues F1 Ultimatum to Mercedes

The talks surrounding George Russell and his F1 future don’t seem to die down. After starring last season in a one-off Mercedes drive at Sakhir, there has been a significant spotlight on his F1 career. Whilst we believe next season, George will drive for either Mercedes or Williams, he is himself keeping his options open.

“There’s a lot of talk about a promotion to, or ‘a move’, I should say, to Mercedes,” Russell acknowledged.

However, it is something out of his hands. He added, “If they don’t believe I deserve it, then they will find me a seat somewhere where I can continue to develop. But I feel like I’m ready to fight for world championships and fight for victories.”

His situation is unique as well – While he is managed by Mercedes and has showcased his potential, he is lingering at the back end of the field with Williams. Clearly, he doesn’t want that anymore –

“Wherever I find myself next year, I want to be in a car that will give me the chance to win races. Because I didn’t fight my whole career to get to F1 to be fighting for 15th and 16th. I fought my whole career to get here and to win. And that’s what I’m so focused more than ever on doing.”

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George Russell wants his F1 future decided by summer break

Russell isn’t the only one whose F1 future creates speculation, his British compatriot, Lewis Hamilton, is part of that domino effect. The seven-time world champion recently showcased his desire to “get something in place before the break” with Mercedes.

“I think, naturally, we all want something decided either way by the summer break, really. I think it’s in everybody’s best interests,” said George Russell in an exclusive interview with Autosports.

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Mercedes need to act quickly and prudently in Russell’s case. It is because other teams would also entertain the thought of having him in their team. Alpine director, Marcin Budkowski, recently half-jokingly expressed his desire to have Russell in his team. We expect more to follow if his future isn’t secured by the end of the break.