Despite the result of the Sakhir GP weekend, there were still a few positives for Mercedes. Giving George Russell an opportunity to be in a top car was definitely one of them.

He drove so well in the practice sessions and later in qualifying to show the Mercedes management that he is certainly ready to make the move. On occasions, he also outshone teammate Valtteri Bottas, as he executed overtakes and managed tires to near perfection.

Former F1 driver and current expert Ralf Schumacher thinks that Russell could prove to be a serious threat to Bottas. According to him, should the young Briton replicate his performance this upcoming weekend, the Finn might lose out on his seat for 2021.

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Ralf Schumacher thinks Bottas should be “sealed off” if Russell drives better than him in Abu Dhabi

Schumacher is quoted as saying, “The car is of course superior, but I would estimate that Russell would not have a chance in direct comparison with Hamilton. Lewis is just an incredibly consistent driver and in a class of his own.

“But I am sure that we will see an exciting race between two teammates next year. If Russell drives again next weekend and is even better than Bottas, then Valtteris should be sealed off.” (translated via Google Translate)

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Naturally, speculation will arise considering Bottas has a deal in place with Mercedes for the 2021 season. The team now has to take a call over which two drivers will take the wheel of their car next year.

“Toto Wolff said in the interview that he was definitely not satisfied with Bottas. I don’t think the Finn will be in the Mercedes next year for the performances he last showed,” concluded Schumacher.

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Bottas and Hamilton would still be the likely pairing for Mercedes next year

Despite these statements, it is hard to see Mercedes ignore the solid track record that both Hamilton and Bottas bring to the table. Arguably, they have been the best driver pairing on the F1 grid for some time now.

Although Russell has shown flashes of brilliance, Williams would possibly want to hold on to him for another season at least. Make no mistake, Bottas will have to raise his game if he is to have any chance of staying at Mercedes.