Russell expects Mercedes decision by summer

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

Russell, 23, 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.

Britain’s rising Formula One star was robbed of a fairytale victory by a rare Mercedes pit-stop mistake and then a puncture. But his performance as an eleventhhour replacement for the Covid-hit Hamilton accelerated calls for him to be promoted to Mercedes.

Russell is a member of the allconquering team’s driver academy.

Hamilton and team-mate 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.

Russell 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.

“In the past I have always tried to make things happen, but it is different now. I have been with Mercedes for six years, they are my second family, and if it happens it will happen naturally.

“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 am getting stronger year-onyear and I believe I am at a level and ready to be fighting for wins and world championships.”