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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)
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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)
Following the dramatic events of the Hungarian Grand Prix, George Russell of Williams was testing the new 18-inch tires with Mercedes. This ramped up the speculation that the 23-year-old is heading for the Silver Arrows next season.
However, 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve feels that Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll is perfect for the team. But, ex F1 Ralf Schumacher isn’t on the same page as the Canadian and feels that Russell’s move to the Silver Arrows is confirmed.
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Schumacher disagrees with Villeneuve about Russell’s move to Mercedes
The Brit has been heavily linked to sign with the Brackley-based squad, and team up with Lewis Hamilton for the 2022 season. His test at Budapest further increases the belief that Russell will get the seat at Mercedes.
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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)
As quoted from Autobild, Schumacher said, “I think that’s where Russell is seated. It is no coincidence that he is driving the tests for Mercedes with the new 18-inch tires that will be used next year. For me this is a clear indication.” (Translated from German via Google)
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Who will get the seat next to Hamilton?
Ever since his one-off appearance at Sakhir last year, to fill in for the 7-times world champion. Russell has been heavily tipped to put pen to paper with the Silver Arrows. The 23-year-old is part of the prestigious Mercedes’ driver, academy and could be called for when the time comes.
As fate would have it, that time is now. The 23-year-old is in his last year of contract with Williams and hasn’t signed an extension with them yet. Meanwhile, at Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas sees his deal running out at the end of this season.
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Formula One F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – July 29, 2021, Williams’ George Russell during a press conference ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix Pool via REUTERS/Florion Goga
This gives team principal, Toto Wolff, a huge question. Does he give Bottas an extension? Or will he bring in Russell to pair up with their world champion driver for the 2022 season?
Who do you think will get the Mercedes seat? Will the Finn continue with the 7-times constructor’s champion? Or will Britain’s Russell be behind the wheel next year? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.
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