Russell "cannot slip up one little bit" in pursuit of Mercedes drive

George Russell does not believe himself to be a shoo-in for a Mercedes seat in the future and is aware he "cannot slip up" for Williams this season.

Russell has been earmarked for a drive with the seven-time reigning champions after impressing in his first two seasons at Williams, consistently qualifying for Q2 in 2020.

The excitement came to a head at the Sakhir Grand Prix when he was chosen to stand-in for Lewis Hamilton instead of designated reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne, igniting rumours of an early promotion to the team.

Russell, however, such speculation is inconsistent in the sport and as such he must keep focused on completing the job with Williams this year.

“We are looking to the future," he said. "Formula 1 is always filled with speculation.

"As I've said before, we are only 20 drivers in the world, everyone is fighting for their chance to either get into Formula 1, to keep their seat or re-emerge again. “Obviously, you have always got to be on it in F1, you cannot slip up one little bit because there will be somebody ready to snap that seat up. That's why I am just excited for next year and beyond.”

With much of the car carrying over from last season as per the regulations, there is ever optimism within the Williams camp that points will come its way with continued progression.

Russell has revealed he now feels more at ease after previously underestimating the burden a driver can be placed under.

"I'm so reliant on my engineers and they are very reliant on me, with the feedback I give," he added.

"Race after race I feel more confident to direct the team clearly, where we need to go and being decisive. There is a lot of weight on our shoulders and I never appreciated that.

"I feel more confident and we have a good honest relationship between everybody and trustful. It is good."

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