Reuters
Formula One F1 – Turkish Grand Prix – Istanbul Park, Istanbul, Turkey – November 12, 2020 Williams’ George Russell walks around the track with team members ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix REUTERS/Murad Sezer
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Turkish Grand Prix – Istanbul Park, Istanbul, Turkey – November 12, 2020 Williams’ George Russell walks around the track with team members ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix REUTERS/Murad Sezer
Ever since Lewis Hamilton tested positive for COVID-19, there were questions of who could get that golden ticket of driving his Mercedes. Well, the most awaited answer is here, and it is none other than George Russell.
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Russell will make his debut weekend with Mercedes at the Sakhir Grand Prix by lining up alongside the Finn driver, Valtteri Bottas. The Silver Arrows will consider this as a test run for the young Briton before handing him a potential full-time drive in the future.
In the process, Mercedes will also finally see a reshuffle in their drivers’ lineup after sticking with Bottas and Hamilton for almost four seasons.
BREAKING: George Russell will drive for Mercedes in place of Lewis Hamilton at this weekend's Sakhir Grand Prix
Jack Aitken steps up for Williams#SakhirGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/fGJdr22fLH
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 2, 2020
Hence, there could be some juicy battles between Russell, Max Verstappen, and Valtteri Bottas awaiting the fans over the weekend in the desert.
Despite it is all clear at the Mercedes’ garage, there is something yet to be cleared in Williams. Who will be replacing their star driver, Russell, for the weekend?
Well, Williams will also bring in a new driver into their team for the weekend, and that is their reserve driver, Jack Aitken.
Can George Russell showcase his true speed with Mercedes?
This is definitely one of the biggest opportunities Russell could ask for, as all eyes will be on the Williams driver this weekend. Earlier this year, the 2018 F2 world champion looked like he might have to take a break for 2021 with Williams not showing interest in retaining him.
However, in a sudden turn of events, Williams decided to cling to the pacy young Briton. Furthermore, Mercedes have now handed him an opportunity to even get himself his first-ever podium in Formula 1.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during the race Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
His stats clearly show that he has been the dominant one when it comes to teammate rivalry. However, Russell will have to understand the W11 first. Assuming he adapts to the car quicker than anticipated, Russell will clearly have a shot standing on the top step of the podium.
The question now is, can Russell live up to the expectations of the entire F1 community? Furthermore, will Russell provide more reasons why he deserves a full-time seat in Mercedes?
