Russell ready to grab Mercedes opportunity, but it won't come soon
Russell ready to grab Mercedes opportunity, but it won't come soon
George Russell insists he is ready to grab the opportunity to drive for Mercedes “with both hands” but doesn’t believe that is currently an option as he is currently contracted with Williams for two more seasons after 2019.
A former Mercedes junior driver, Russell has been tipped to eventually drive for the Silver Arrows whether it be as early as next season or in the future. Claire Williams has shot down speculation he could move in 2020 and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff agreed, but should the option be there, the Brit is going to take it.
"I obviously really and truly believe in myself. If I ever were to get an opportunity, it would be stupid to think I can go in there and beat Lewis [Hamilton] at the first race,” Russell told Motorsport.com
"In my opinion he's the best driver on the grid. But I feel like the potential's there, and you always learn with every single race, every single year.
"If the opportunity were to come, I feel absolutely confident I could take it with both hands and quickly learn as much as possible and be there ready to really deliver after a couple of races."
However, Russell is aware it would take a major shift in one factor or another in his career for the move to Mercedes to happen anytime soon.
"The matter of the fact is as Claire said, I signed a three-year contract with Williams," he outlined.
"So, unless anything drastic happened, I see no reason why I wouldn’t be here for the following couple of years."
The 21-year-old is happy with the support he receives from Mercedes, though, and believes the way they treat younger drivers is the correct method to aid their development.
"I know in Mercedes, as long as I’m performing, they will support me and it does relax you as a driver because you can fully focus on the job at hand,” the Williams man added
"If you have one bad weekend, they’re not going to snap at you and ask what the hell went on there.
"They’ll offer support and advice for how not to be in the same situation again. It’s a really great way of doing things."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 team announce SHOCK signing weeks after rival departure
- 6 minutes ago
Former team boss quizzed on role in Newey's Red Bull exit
- 1 hour ago
RB reveal STRIKING new livery ahead of Miami GP
- 2 hours ago
EXCLUSIVE: Insider claims F1 Academy and W Series couldn't co-exist
- 3 hours ago
Wolff delivers big verdict on Hamilton behaviour
- Today 18:57
Red Bull partner reveals HUGE F1 2026 entry details
- Today 17:57
Related news
FIA slammed for 'ridiculous' Russell investigation
'Disaster waiting to happen': F1 star demands FIA safety OVERHAUL after terrifying crash
Russell reveals Alonso SNUB after post-crash meeting
Mercedes F1 star makes revelation about NEW driver
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860