The George Russell-Valtteri Bottas driver swap saga is the talk of the F1 town. While there have been a few noises about Bottas’ potential ouster from Mercedes since Russell’s breakthrough in Sakhir, those have become even louder in the past couple of weeks. There have been reports hinting at a mid-season announcement from Mercedes. But Toto Wolff has poured cold water on those suggestions.

The Mercedes Team Principal and one-third owner told the media during the French Grand Prix race weekend that the top brass was in no hurry to seal the deal yet.

On being asked about the timeline of the all-important decision, Wolff said, “Somewhere in the winter I think. But I don’t know if it’s December, January or February.”

This comes as a surprise because the consequences of delaying such a decision, especially until next year, may have dire consequences. Bottas wouldn’t like a noose hanging over his head, Russell may be courted by other teams and Mercedes won’t appreciate another Hamilton-like situation. But Toto Wolff stood his ground and explained the rationale behind it –

“It is highly possible because we have always been committed and loyal to the drivers. And this is what we’re doing.”

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Bottas’ season has been one to forget until now. Most F1 Pundits have tipped him to lose his seat to Russell. Though Wolff is not counting him out yet. In fact, he has laid down the gauntlet to him –

“Drive the car fast on a Saturday and Sunday. If he does that, he puts himself in a very good situation in terms of next year.”

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On Friday, Bottas did himself no harm with regards to that. He topped the timing sheets over Lewis Hamilton during both the Free Practice sessions. After hearing all these rumors, he may be driving with a chip on his shoulder. There is no better way to answer the critics and to convince Mercedes of his candidature than to perform well this race weekend. The ball is in his court.

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