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Russell Reveals When Mercedes Is Likely to Decide His F1 Fate

Published 03/09/2021, 1:18 AM EST

There was an air of curiosity when George Russell received a dream opportunity to drive for Mercedes in the Sakhir GP. While they had touted him as a natural successor to one of the team’s seats, he had never really showcased his talent in the Williams car.

But all doubts were put to rest after his phenomenal showing, even zipping past teammate Valtteri Bottas to take the lead at one point. Only an unfortunate delay in a double-stacked pit stop and a late tire failure saw him slip down to P9, but he had showcased his talent that night.

The F1 community now wonders how much more time will it take for the defending champions to put Russell in their cockpit. Speaking in an interview, Russell talked about an estimated timeframe on the decision of his future for 2022.

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Russell stated, “Right now my head is completely with this team, with Williams. By the middle of the year we should have an idea of how things will go for me.” (translated via Google Translate)

Will seize any potential opportunity with both hands, said George Russell

“I am concentrating on my work and progressing and then at some point my opportunity will come. But there are no promises for 2022.”

Mercedes are in a fortunate position in that they can decide a pairing from Russell, Bottas, and reigning F1 champion Lewis Hamilton for their 2022 lineup. Either way, the 22-year-old will look to capitalize on any chances he gets with Mercedes, much like the race in Sakhir.

He continued, “It can be argued that 2022 would be the right time for a change, but as I say, it is not for me to decide. If there is an opportunity like the one there was in Bahrain last year, of course I will seize it with both hands.”

Russell’s future would depend on Mercedes’ decision on current driver pairing

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“Toto told me that I am part of the future at Mercedes and I take his words at face value,” concluded Russell.

Much would obviously depend on whether Hamilton continues in F1 from the 2022 season onwards. On the other hand, Hamilton deciding to stay could also see Mercedes make a call over Bottas.

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Therefore, Russell making a move to Mercedes is possibly something that many F1 enthusiasts believe will happen. But at this point in time, the uncertainties raise the question of when that could happen.

MORE – Here’s Why the Mercedes F1 Safety and Medical Car Are Red in Color for 2021

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Written by:

Hailing from Bengaluru, Bhargav is an F1 and NASCAR author for EssentiallySports. He is a huge fan of Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. Bhargav also has an MBA in Sports Management from the Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences, Pune.

Russell Reveals When Mercedes Is Likely to Decide His F1 Fate

Will seize any potential opportunity with both hands, said George Russell

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Russell’s future would depend on Mercedes’ decision on current driver pairing