Why Mercedes F1 Chose George Russell as Lewis Hamilton’s Replacement

Lewis Hamilton is missing out on this weekend’s second Bahrain race following a positive COVID test. Lewis Hamilton is in isolation and showing non-severe symptoms as he works towards getting better for the Abu Dhabi race.

Meanwhile, Mercedes had been looking over their options of who will replace the seven-time world champion this weekend. There were a few choices in place; however, they confirmed George Russell as Hamilton’s replacement for the weekend.

Mercedes’ reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne was scheduled to fly to Bahrain after his Formula E race this week at Valencia. However, Mercedes have arranged a deal with Williams to get their junior driver, George Russell, onboard for the weekend.

According to reports, Russell was the first choice as Hamilton’s replacement this weekend. The decision will also benefit the team and the player, keeping in mind the possibility of their long-term arrangement.

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George Russell is the next Mercedes driver

Mercedes have always had a good relationship with Williams. George Russell is a part of Mercedes’ young drivers program and on a three-year contract deal with Williams.

According to the reports, “Beyond any financial incentive of loaning Russell, an added attraction for Williams would also be that the youngster, who is committed to the team for 2021, would return to it after his loan spell as a higher profile driver with some solid experience from a front-running car and potentially strong results underneath him.”

Toto Wolff has been open about George Russell as the next Mercedes driver. The Silver Arrows haven’t really had the chance to test their junior drivers. This decision will change the image of how they handle their young drivers; at the same time, it will prove to be a great test for George Russell.

More importantly, it finally gives Russell a chance to prove himself in superior machinery. The Briton’s much-lauded racecraft and talent have been hindered by a subpar Williams F1 car.

From Mercedes’ perspective, Russell has the experience of dealing with the German team’s race-winning machine. Compared to Vandoorne, Russell can quickly adapt to the workings of the W11.

While Vandoorne is believed to have tested the simulator to prepare for this weekend’s race, he has not raced in Formula 1 since 2018. Meanwhile, George Russell brings great form, current experience, and understanding of Formula 1 racing.

Williams is likely to bring on their reserve driver Jack Aitken as Russel’s replacement. Aitken also comes with experience of F2 races and has also completed a Free Practice session for Williams this year at Styrian Grand Prix.

George Russell has a great opportunity to score his first Formula 1 point ever. Maybe he can take his Williams momentum to Mercedes and score a podium finish this weekend. The Formula 1 community is certainly ready to celebrate his first points on board.