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

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.

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.

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.