Soccer Transfer Guru Fabrizio Romano Pokes Fun at F1 Driver Market Amid Bottas-Russell Contract Delay

George Russell and his potential move to Mercedes next season have been a matter of speculation for months now. The Mercedes junior academy product is heavily rumored to replace Valtteri Bottas at Silver Arrows. Russell has been immensely impressive for Williams since he joined them back in 2019. Moreover, he recently secured his first podium at Belgian GP and is considered as the frontrunner to teaming up with Lewis Hamilton next season.

Whereas, the 2019 and 2020 drivers’ championship runner-up, Valtteri Bottas, has been under fire at the Brackley-based team due to his series of unsatisfactory performances.

Meanwhile, former footballer Jan Aage Fjortoft understands George Russell will probably replace Bottas at Mercedes and therefore urged the soccer transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, to announce the deal.

“Transfer-window in football closing tomorrow. In Formula One it’s open all the time. Coming weekend George Russell will probably replace Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes. Fabrizio Romano will have to produce a Here We Drive,” tweeted Fjortoft.

The Italian journalist, Romano, keeps information regarding any soccer transfer dealings and announces the deal before it actually becomes official. He hinted that since it is open all the time, reporting on it would be too much for him!

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Mercedes wants both George Russell and Valtteri Bottas’ future to be decided before the announcement

During the drivers’ press conference ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, the two frontrunner drivers to partner Lewis Hamilton next season, George Russell and Valtteri Bottas faced the media together. Both the drivers were coy regarding their futures, claiming there is “no news to share.” However, after the qualifying, Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff revealed he has decided about the second seat for next season.

In addition, the Austrian explained why there’s a delay in the announcement. Wolff said: “Because there are stakeholders that are involved that we need to respect. As long as contracts are not signed, it makes no sense to announce it.”

Furthermore, when asked if he wanted both Bottas and Russell to have their future sorted before making any announcement, Toto Wolff replied: “Yes.”

“It’s not only our call but there are other parties involved and you have to always proceed with respect and with diligence,” said Wolff in an interview with Autosport.

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Who will partner the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, at Mercedes next season? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.