Sadly, George Russell must sit tight in an uncompetitive car in 2021

By Alan Swann
Published 15th Dec 2020, 13:53 BST
George Russell. Photo: David Davies PA.George Russell. Photo: David Davies PA.
George Russell. Photo: David Davies PA.
George Russell’s hopes for an early promotion to a Mercedes seat in the 2021 Formula One season have been dashed.

Russell’s outstanding drive for the champion constructors team as Lewis Hamilton’s stand-in for the Sakhir GP earlier this month had prompted speculation he could replace Valtteri Bottas as the World Champion’s teammate next season.

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But that won’t now be happening as Mercedes chief Toto Wolff confirmed they will stick with Bottas even though he rarely challenges Hamilton in a race.

“I’m loyal to my drivers,” Wolff stated. “George did a phenomenal job in Sakhir and will be in a great car one day.”

Russell, a former student at Wisbech Grammar School, was back in his uncompetitive Williams for the final GP of the season in Abu Dhabi last weekend and finished 15th.

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Russell finished 18th in the Drivers Championship, picking up his only three points (including one for the fastest lap) in Sakhir in his one outing for Mercedes, a race he would probably have won, but for a pitstop bungle by his off-track team.

Related topics:MercedesToto WolffLewis Hamilton

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