George Russell braced for "incredible" Silverstone homecoming

Russell at Azerbaijan — Photo: © LAT Images

British Grand Prix

Russell braced for "incredible" Silverstone homecoming

Russell has been heavily linked to the Mercedes seat currently occupied by Valtteri Bottas for 2022

Sam Hall & Will Gray

Thursday 15 July 2021 11:45

George Russell cannot wait to take to the track in front of the "incredibly passionate" British Grand Prix fans at his home race.

Russell has been consistently linked with a move to Mercedes in place of Valtteri Bottas for the 2022 season with speculation previously suggesting an announcement would be made this weekend at Silverstone.

The Briton has since denied this is the case and is eager to return to business on the track in front of packed grandstands for the first time in over a year.

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"I am really excited for my home race and to have all the British fans back will be an incredible experience," he said.

"It will be a challenge with the new format this weekend, so we are going to have to be on our toes to make the most of it.

"All in all, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone is always a great weekend; it has the best crowds of the year, the fans are incredibly passionate, and the circuit offers great racing. There’s nothing quite like it."

He added: “It’s great we are moving towards this and obviously, doing it safely as well. Everybody either has to be tested or show proof of vaccination.

“I’ve been told you can fit 50 Wembley stadiums inside of Silverstone. So a big open space with open-air, lots of room to move around so I think it’s great that Silverstone has worked together with the government."

Russell cites sprint qualifying opportunity for Williams

Russell suffered yet more heartbreak with Williams as points slipped away in Austria, losing out to Fernando Alonso in the closing laps.

With sprint qualifying changing the weekend format and various different ways to attack the three days at Silverstone, Russell is eyeing a new chance to take a top 10 spot.

“If everybody’s conservative then it gives an opportunity for the one who’s going to put a bit more out there," he added.

"So obviously if I were [Max] Verstappen or Lewis [Hamilton] at the front of the grid, you’re not going to go for a reckless overtake and risk not finishing the race.

“In a position like ours, when you’re at the back of the grid, you have to go for it. So, this is an opportunity because there are going to be people having a different approach."