George Russell hoping Mercedes follow Ferrari and Red Bull young driver example

Mercedes

Russell hoping Mercedes follow Ferrari and Red Bull young driver example

Russell is currently contracted to Williams through to 2022

Ian Parkes

Tuesday 26 May 2020 13:24

George Russell is hoping Mercedes will eventually take a leaf out of the driver development books of Formula 1 rivals Ferrari and Red Bull and be handed a works drive.

Russell has so far proven he has the right credentials by previously winning the GP3 and F2 titles prior to landing a seat with Williams last season where he endured a tough campaign at the back of the grid.

Although contracted to Williams through to 2022, Mercedes development driver Russell is potentially in the mix for partnering Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2021 should the team opt to dispense with Valtteri Bottas.

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With moves taking place around him, Russell told SkySports: “Mercedes, they don't have their junior programme for no reason, likewise Red Bull and Ferrari.

"The whole goal is to try and develop a driver and bring them through into the main seat.

"Obviously it's a lot about timing as well. In Formula 1 there are only two seats per team, and at Mercedes, you've obviously got Lewis doing the business, Valtteri's there, and they've been a great pairing for the last couple of years, winning the championships.

"So there are parts of them saying, why do they need to change.

"On the other hand, you start to look at the likes of Ferrari with Carlos and Charles. Arguably they could be there for the next four, five, six years as a pairing, likewise with Danny (Ricciardo) and Lando (Norris) at McLaren, and again arguably with Alex and Max at Red Bull."

Mercedes has previously overlooked young drivers on its books, such as Pascal Wehrlein and Nyck de Vries, while last year they allowed Esteban Ocon to join Renault.

While itching for promotion, Russell is aware of the importance of a stable relationship within a team.

"I think for any industry or business, having that stability is hugely important," added Russell.

"Looking at the past in Formula 1, with either Ferrari, [Michael] Schumacher and [Rubens] Barrichello, that stability really helps, or even Lewis and Nico [Rosberg] at Mercedes, that stability throughout the team, I think just helps push everything along.

"It's great to see these teams are looking to the future, and we'll see what's next."

Understandably yearning for more success, Russell has confirmed he is in regular contact with the necessary people at Mercedes.

"It's no secret I'm managed by Mercedes," said Russell. "They helped me throughout all of my junior career, and helped me ultimately get into Formula 1.

"Right now I'm obviously contracted to Williams, and that's my sole focus, trying to get the maximum out of my time here, but I want to be a race winner, a world champion in the future.

"I'm in contact with Mercedes every week, as they are my managers, and have been for the past four years or so.

"It's interesting seeing all of the movement at the moment, and I'm sure it's not over yet."

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