Russell Admits to Mega Hamilton & Verstappen Doubts at Williams F1

George Russell, who is part of the Mercedes junior driver’s program, has been immensely impressive since he joined the Williams back in 2019. In his debut season, the 23-year-old qualified his much-experienced teammate, Robert Kubica, at all 21 Grand Prix weekends. And he has been repeating this feat against his new teammate Nicholas Latifi since 2020.

Russell made heads turn when he replaced Lewis Hamilton at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix after the latter had tested positive for the coronavirus. Russell qualified at P2 after narrowly losing out on pole to teammate Valtteri Bottas.

Russel looked poised to win the race until he got involved in a botched pit stop; eventually, the young Brit finished the race at P9 and secured his very first F1 points.

Meanwhile, George Russell doubts if the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, or this year title contender, Max Verstappen, would have done a better job if they were in an uncompetitive car like Williams.

Watch Story: From Shocking Lewis Hamilton Crash to Ferrari Pit Stop Blunder: Most Sensational Moments in Bahrain GP History

What did George Russell say?

As quoted by The Ringer, when asked about the opportunity he received to drive Mercedes back in 2020 during the Sakhir Grand Prix, George Russell replied: “It was just refreshing to know, in my mind, that given the opportunity, I could do it.”

“When we have a good weekend and we qualify 11th and finish 12th, there’s always that small doubt… Could Hamilton or Verstappen have done a better job if they were in the Williams?”

“Getting that opportunity in the Mercedes made me believe that actually when I believe I’ve done a good job then we probably have done a good job,” added Russell.

I’d be so excited if I stay at Williams next year: Russell

George Russell has been heavily linked with a move to Mercedes next season to replace Valtteri Bottas. The Finnish driver is underfire at Mercedes this season as he could only secure one pole and failed to register a single win. On the other hand, Russell had ended his points drought for the Wantage-based team at Budapest.

Although, Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff previously told that he will decide regarding the second seat in the summer break. However, after the long vacations, Wolff joked he might wait until winter to make a final decision. Meanwhile, George Russell reveals he’d be excited if he stays at Williams next season.

“If next year I’m sat here in a Williams car, I’d be so excited to continue this journey, because I really think Williams are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the future,” said George Russell.

“If not, I’ll be incredibly proud to know that I’ve helped push this team back up the grid.”

Read More: WATCH: George Russell Indulges in Cheeky Helmet Swap With His Alfa Romeo F1 Compatriot

Can we witness George Russell partnering up with the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, at Mercedes next year? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.