Toto Wolff Confirms Russell ‘Will Definitely Play a Role’ in Mercedes’ F1 Future

Mercedes are yet to get Lewis Hamilton to sign on the dotted line for the 2022 season. The Briton and the team seemingly don’t see eye to eye on the terms of the contract, and the saga looks set to continue for a while at least.

Amidst all that, there have been questions raised over whether George Russell could come into the team’s immediate plans.

Especially if Lewis is being a bit adamant over his demands. After all, Russell did impress one and all when he filled in for Hamilton in Sakhir.

But Wolff has already the team doesn’t intend to ‘play that card‘ in contract discussions. At least not yet. So does that mean the door is completely shut on Russell?

The Mercedes team boss firmly denies that being the case. While in conversation with RTL, Wolff said (translated via Google), “He will definitely play a role in our future line-up.

“He just has to have trust and patience. Today we are concentrating on our two drivers, Valtteri and Lewis. This is our regular team. We will see what the future brings.”

George Russell most likely to graduate to Mercedes in 2022

Irrespective of whom he’ll partner next year, the current Williams driver is touted to be ready to make the jump to a title-winning team in 2022.

If Hamilton gets a long-term deal, there’s a high chance that Valtteri Bottas will lose his drive to the up-and-coming Briton.

Russell has already shown enough to suggest that he’ll be a future World Champion. And signing with Mercedes next year would go a long way in making that dream come true.

It’s difficult to envisage the Silver Arrows pursuing with Bottas beyond the season. The Finn is now on the wrong side of 30 and after 4 seasons hasn’t displayed the necessary competence to beat Hamilton or even challenge him on a regular basis.

Russell represents a younger option and a chance to blood a new generation so that they can continue their dominance over the next decade. Alongside Hamilton, Russell could learn the ropes and could then go on to take over the mantle.

For now, however, Russell will have to be content with driving for Williams. After 2 seasons with the Grove-based outfit, Russell will be itching to open his impending points tally with the team this year.

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