Russell’s hot for summer Merc verdict

GEORGE Russell expects a decision on whether he joins – or replaces – Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes to be made by the summer.

The 23-year-old was thrust into the spotlight at the end of last year when he excelled as Hamilton’s stand-in at the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain.

He was robbed of a fairytale victory by a rare Mercedes pit-stop mistake and then a puncture. But his performance as an 11th-hour replacement for the Covid-hit Hamilton accelerated calls for him to be promoted to Mercedes.

Russell is a member of the all-conquering team’s driver

George Russell academy. Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas are both out of contract at the end of the campaign, while Russell’s three-season deal with Williams also expires this year.

The new Formula One season starts in Bahrain on Sunday and he said: “My relationship with Mercedes and (team principal) Toto Wolff is stronger than it has ever been.

“They know the situation. They know I want to be fighting for victories and championships. They saw what I could do in Bahrain.

“I need to focus on myself and I don’t need to be badgering them. It will not be any longer than the summer break (in August) for all parties involved – Mercedes, Williams and for all the drivers – so it is fair on everybody.

“And unless anything catastrophic happens in the coming six months, Mercedes know the position I am in and the position they are in. I believe I am at a level and ready to be fighting for wins and world championships.

“But we will have to see. Formula One is a funny business and I don’t take anything for granted.’’