Russell ‘Can’t Stay Where He is Forever’: Verstappen Puts Pressure on Mercedes F1

George Russell is in talks with Mercedes for a seat with the team for the 2022 season. The Williams driver has impressed everyone on the grid with his speed and consistent performances in 2021. He has even scored points with the British team this season in Hungary.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen believes that the young Brit is ready to move to a bigger team. He also mentioned that Russell deserves more in F1 than his current situation at Williams.

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George is very quick, and he can’t stay where he is forever: Max Verstappen

As reported by The Race, Verstappen has raced against Russell in their karting days and knows the pace the Brit can show in the right car. He also mentioned that it is up to Mercedes to decide to sign him for the next season.

“George is very quick, and he can’t stay where he is forever,” said Verstappen.

“I think he deserves more. It’s up to Mercedes to make the call, not really from my side! But for sure, I rate him very high as a driver. And he’s, of course, still very young as well, so it’s natural that the younger guys at one point move up. Especially the good drivers.” said the Red Bull driver.

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Charles Leclerc agrees that George Russell deserves the Mercedes seat

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc also agreed with Verstappen and stated that Russell deserves a chance at a top team. He also acknowledged that being Lewis Hamilton‘s teammate can be a good challenge for George.

“So, he definitely deserves that spot and I think it would be great to have such a talented driver in that seat,” said Leclerc.

“Obviously, any driver wants to go against the best and Lewis is probably the greatest of all time. You want to put yourself against [the best] and see how you fare. It would be an honor for anybody to get the opportunity.

That’s obviously all hypothetical at the moment. It’s the same comments as I’ve said three years ago. If I could choose anybody to race as my teammate, Lewis would be the one.” said Leclerc.

Russell’s current contract with Williams ends at the end of the season and he is expected to join Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for the 2022 season.

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