via Getty
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes GP prepares to drive on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of Sakhir at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
via Getty
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes GP prepares to drive on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of Sakhir at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
The most talked-about driver move this season is George Russell’s potential switch to Mercedes. What may be his last year with Williams, the Brit has shown that he is ready to step up and fight for a place in a top team.
The 23-year-old is known for his qualifying pace that earned him the nickname ‘Mr. Saturday’. So far this season, Russell has managed to make it in Q2, and on two occasions found himself in Q3, both at the Red Bull Ring.
Hence, seeing that he brought his A-game to the 2021 season, Dr. Helmut Marko of Red Bull feels that Russell will be driving for the Brackley-based squad next season.
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Marko is certain that George Russell will drive a Mercedes next season
Ever since his one-off appearance at Sakhir last year, where he filled in for Lewis Hamilton. The Brit surely impressed the Mercedes garage. Now in 2021 with his deal with the Grove-based outfit running out at the end of the year, Marko as well as others assume that he will put pen to paper with the Silver Arrows for the 2022 season.
Speaking to Motorsport Magazin, Marko said, “His qualifying performances are impressive. But he is a Mercedes man. I think it’s done anyway.”
via Getty
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – Second place qualifier George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes GP looks on in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Sakhir at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Being asked if the deal is done, Marko responded, “I’m convinced of it”
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Valtteri Bottas will have to make way for Russell
The Finnish driver is also in his last year of contract with the 7-times constructor’s champion and hasn’t been offered an extension yet. This further increases the speculation, that Russell will come in to replace Bottas, and partner Hamilton for the next season.
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit – Portimao, Portugal – May 2, 2021 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas before the race Pool via REUTERS/Gabriel Bouys
However, nothing is signed yet, and the second seat at Mercedes still has an uncertainty looming over it. Can Bottas step up his game for the second half of the season, and convince his team to extend his contract? Or has his time at the Silver Arrows has come to an end.
Will he be replaced by the underrated Williams‘ driver. Let us know your prediction for the Russell-Mercedes partnership in the comments down below.
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Read More: Valtteri Bottas Recalls His Terrifying ‘Oh Sh*t’ Moment With George Russell in Imola
