
via Getty
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes GP prepares to drive on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of Sakhir at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes GP prepares to drive on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of Sakhir at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
When Valtteri Bottas signed on the dotted line last year to extend his stay with Mercedes, it bothered a few people. Not to say the Finn does not merit his race seat at the best team currently, but they simply wished to see their own Academy product, George Russell, alongside Lewis Hamilton.
His candidature for the drive at Mercedes is as strong as it gets. He’s impressed everyone after performing strongly with backmarkers Williams.

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Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Williams’ George Russell during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS
However, George Russell is not getting too impatient. He believes his time will come, plus he has faith in his long-time representative, Toto Wolff. In a launch video with Sky Sports, he said –
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“Mercedes and Toto have always had my back. They have believed in me from day 1 and, when they believe the time’s right, the time will be right. So, I am not hassling them. I’m just going out there doing my job on the track and what comes in the future will come.”
His solitary drive in Bahrain with the Silver Arrows did not harm his chances either. But, as of now, his mind is only occupied on the season ahead with Williams.

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Formula One F1 – Sakhir Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and George Russell in action during qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
“Obviously, I had the great opportunity in Bahrain last year. For now, just focussing on the job here at Williams for this season and trying to get as much out of it.”
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Russell would love to put himself against ‘benchmark’ Hamilton at Mercedes
The rumours regarding Lewis Hamilton’s potential exit from the sport never die down. After all, he’s only signed with Mercedes for the season ahead and could leave after securing a record eighth world title. But, if you were to ask George, he would rather compete against him than replace him.
“Every driver wants to put themselves against the best, obviously. I believe in myself and Lewis is the benchmark at the moment,” said Russell.

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: ART Grand Prix Formula 2 driver George Russell of Great Britain and Williams F1 and Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP talk in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on November 22, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
With a speculative mindset, we can say that a Mercedes drive is just around the corner for him. He is still young and when his time comes, we have no doubt that he will grab the opportunity with both hands.
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Read More – Lewis Hamilton vs Mercedes: Who Deserves Credit for Their Success in Formula One
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