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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)
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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)
It is long been rumored that George Russell will be driving for Mercedes, even as early as the 2022 season. Former F1 driver and 2016 world champion, Nico Rosberg feels that Russell will give Lewis Hamilton a run for his money, and possibly replace him at the Silver Arrows.
Russell is currently driving for Williams but his contract runs out at the end of the season. Furthermore, Russell is part of the Mercedes junior, which further increases his chances of him getting the keys to the Mercedes.
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The 23-year-old driver did get a chance to drive for the Silver Arrows last season at the Sakhir GP. However, it didn’t end up winning but his performance surely made him a top candidate for the seat.
Rosberg feels that George Russell can replace Hamilton at Mercedes
Speaking to Sky News, as quoted by PlanetF1, Rosberg said, “Someone who is really going to give Lewis a run for his money in the same team. A young guy who can replace Lewis as No 1 driver in the future at Mercedes.
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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – Second place qualifier George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes GP looks on in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Sakhir at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
“From that point of view, the fan’s perspective, we would be quite happy to see a change there and see something new,” Rosberg concluded.
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Bottas might have to make way for Russell in 2022
Mercedes driver, Valtteri Bottas has his contract expiring at the end of the season, and the team might not want to retain the Finn for next season. Rather, the Brackley-based squad will want to bring in the talented Russell for the 2022 championship.
Russell has exceeded expectations at the Williams, even though he is behind the wheel of a lackluster car, he has gotten himself into Q2 on a number of occasions this season.
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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)
Furthermore, when Russell was called up to Mercedes for the Sakhir GP, to fill in for Lewis Hamilton, who had contracted COVID-19. The Brit did show everyone that he is more than qualified to get that seat once it’s vacant.
Now it’s just a waiting game, to see what happens. Will Russell replace Bottas and partner a 7-time world champion, or will the Silver Arrows keep their current driver lineup for next year as well? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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