Russell ‘Going Ahead as Planned’ With Mercedes for Now Amid Confusion Over Lewis Hamilton’s Participation

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes had a brilliant year this season. Mercedes winning their record of 7 Constructor’s championships back to back. Lewis bagged his seventh driver’s championship to equal Schumacher’s record. Yet, this season may not end well for the Briton.

After another splendid stint at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Lewis looked came down with COVID-19. Although he was keeping good health, safety protocol forbade him from racing at Sakhir. After a week since the Briton got infected, it looks like he may even miss Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

FIA will not allow Lewis Hamilton to enter the paddock until the Briton tests negative. Thus Mercedes plan to continue with their super sub from Sakhir, George Russell. Russell appeared in the Silver Arrows T-shirt for the Abu Dhabi press meet today and shed some light on the entire affair.

“I’m unsure, to be honest. We’re still waiting to get Lewis’s results back. So yeah, for now, we are going ahead as planned.”

“If Lewis returns with a negative result, he will be back in the car,” remarked Russell.

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Lewis Hamilton or George Russell-Abu Dhabi cockpit still uncertain

Lewis Hamilton won the Bahrain Grand Prix. He was looking forward to do the same for the rest two races of the middle eastern triple header. However, fate had other plans for him and through him, for George Russell.

Although it may seem dark, Russell is the racer that profits the most from Lewis’ untimely infection. Had Lewis been in his 44 numbered AMG, Russell’s statement would have been P18 or worse. Although he eventually finished P9, the race proved his mettle far and wide.

Russell was a sub driver for Mercedes. Thus he had little difficulty in adjusting himself to the German regime of Toto Wolff. In fact, the manner in which he adjusted himself to the car, and the crew shocked many pundits in the grid. It seemed like a well practised drill.

Russell returning to the Mercedes camp this weekend would give the crew a chance to apologize to him. Although he holds nothing against the members, the fans deem them responsible for Russell missing his podium. Their chance to say sorry to the Briton may get him a win this time.

Yet, warning to Russell fans, lets not count the chickens before they hatch. All the possibilities discussed is subject to Lewis sitting out; and, as Russell stated, if the results are negative, Lewis will regain his cockpit. But time may not be on his side.

Read More Toto Wolff Admits Mercedes’ Uncertainty over Lewis Hamilton Returning for Abu Dhabi GP