George Russell will face the press at Monza as a future Mercedes driver. While discussions about Russell’s seat at the team started after his stunning performance at Sakhir, it was a well-known fact that he would replace Bottas for 2022. Hidden innuendos accompanied by very obvious dodging; the decision was obvious as everyone awaited Toto Wolff’s announcement. Max Verstappen voiced everyone’s thoughts as he shared his opinion on Russell’s seat.

Russell to Mercedes ‘the worst kept secret’ – Verstappen

The hullabaloo can finally die down as Wolff’s announcement has been made. Max Verstappen labeled the announcement as the worst secret in F1 history. “Obviously I’m very happy for him. It was logical that it would happen, it was the worst kept secret ever.” (Translated via Google Translate)

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“Worst kept secret” was a common phrase on Twitter as well. The announcement was more of a sigh of relief than a surprise. Nonetheless, excitement was a common emotion as Russell finally makes it to a car that could potentially get him a title.

The logical step according to Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen also called Russell’s promotion the logical option. During his three-year apprenticeship at Williams, Russell proved time and again that he could find speed in a car that wasn’t fast. His progress had become too prominent for Mercedes to ignore.

Russell’s consistent pace at qualifying is well known; although, his pace has seemed to improve as Q3 appearances have increased.  More importantly, he has started to convert qualifying success into pace on Sunday’s race.

The Brit has another exciting prospect for him. At Mercedes, he has at least two years to learn alongside one of the greatest drivers of all time. Growing up idolizing Hamilton, Russell is now his partner at the Silver Arrows. While we can’t expect Russell to equal Hamilton on his debut season, it is a probability for the future.

The feeling at Williams was that Russell deserves a chance at the championship. Everyone sees Russell’s potential; undoubtedly, Toto Wolff sees it too.

A smart driver with speed who rarely repeats mistakes; Mercedes may have found their next champion. With nine more races left as a Williams driver, Russell will undoubtedly give his first family the best finish he can.

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