Wolff Promises Russell-Bottas Mercedes F1 Decision in ‘Next Few Weeks’ After Lewis Hamilton Announcement
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Wolff Promises Russell-Bottas Mercedes F1 Decision in ‘Next Few Weeks’ After Lewis Hamilton Announcement
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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – JULY 19: Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff smiles in parc ferme during the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 19, 2020 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Clive Mason – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – JULY 19: Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff smiles in parc ferme during the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 19, 2020 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Clive Mason – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton has set the 2021 driver market alight by announcing his contract. The seven-time world champion announced today that he will stay in Formula One with Mercedes till the end of the 2023 season.
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This is massive news for Formula One as the sport will welcome its most anticipated regulation change with its star driver on the grid. Although the contract extension is not a surprise, the announcement’s timings have caught everyone off-guard.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 3, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton arrives at the circuit ahead of practice REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
With Hamilton on for the 2022 season, the attention now shifts towards the hotly contested second seat at Mercedes. They are two front runners for the second Mercedes seat, current incumbent Valtteri Bottas and Williams driver George Russell.
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We’re entering a new era of cars which will be challenging: Lewis Hamilton
As reported by Autosport, Hamilton has mentioned that he is excited to enter the new era of Formula One. He also stated that he also spoke about his relationship with Mercedes in the last nine years.
“Thank you to all the dedicated and talented individuals at Mercedes whose hard work makes it all possible and the Board for their continued trust in me.
“We’re entering a new era of cars which will be challenging and exciting and I can’t wait to see what else we can achieve together.” said Hamilton.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is also delighted with the contract extension of the Brit. He can now firmly focus on deciding Lewis’s teammate for next season. On the announcement of the second driver, Wolff said,” We signed last night, and we wanted to announce it today. We thought it was good to go public right away. 2 years is a good period.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Steiermark Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – June 26, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton wearing a protective face mask after qualifying in third place REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
“Stability in the team is important. We talk about everything. In the next few weeks, we will know who occupies the second seat.”
Read More: Why Do Mercedes Dominate F1?
It’s a straight fight between Bottas and Russell for the second seat
Mercedes is the most dominant team of the turbo-hybrid era. So, the second seat will provide a driver sure-shot opportunities for wins and podiums. Bottas has been with the German team since 2017 and won nine races with the team. Russell is a Mercedes Junior driver currently driving in Williams.
George Russell looks like the prime contender to challenge Bottas for the seat. If Valtteri Bottas continues struggle in the next races, Russell could replace the Finn in Mercedes for the 2022 season.
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