Russell seeking “two-year” security with Mercedes - or next F1 team

Mercedes protégé George Russell has revealed he will be seeking a long-term deal if he is to join the reigning world champions next season - or whichever his next team might be.

Russell, who is currently racing for Williams with whom his current deal expires at the end of this season, has long been lined up as a possible replacement for Valtteri Bottas and has already raced for the team when he stepped in for a Covid-hit Lewis Hamilton in Sakhir last year.

British compatriot Lando Norris has just signed a new multi-year deal with McLaren, adding to the list of young up-and-coming drivers to have secured their long-term future in F1.

Asked about his own future, Russell said: “I definitely think the position I am currently, being a free agent as such going into next year, is a good position to be in, but I think stability and longevity are important.

“It’s so clear with people moving around recently how difficult it is to jump in and adapt to a new team, so wherever I find myself next year I’d like it to be for at least a couple of years.

“I think it’s so important to have that consistency to be able to grow and progress.“

Norris now has a deal that runs beyond 2022 for an undisclosed number of years, committing him to a future with a McLaren team that has progressed towards the front this season after shifting to Mercedes power.

Russell added: “[I am] really happy for Lando. He deserves it. He’s been doing a fantastic job recently, and McLaren as a package with Lando are doing extraordinary.

“It’s going to be interesting next year. I think they could be a real threat to the top teams and the championship.”

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