Mercedes switch for George Russell no guarantee of competitive edge

Williams

Mercedes switch for Russell no guarantee of competitive edge

New regulations for 2022 could completely mix up the field

Will Gray

Friday 23 July 2021 18:08

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George Russell has conceded he has “no idea” if moving to Mercedes will give him a competitive car next year.

F1 will undergo its most radical rule change in years next season with almost o carryover in terms of design from this year into 2022. This means the order could shift significantly.

Russell, who is tipped to replace Valtteri Bottas at the world champion team next year, said: “We are obviously going into a season with massive regulation changes and we have no idea what the future holds for every team.

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“As we’ve seen in 2014 and 2009, nobody would have predicted the outcomes of those results and obviously it’s a bigger change now. So, I’d say wherever I end up next year what is required from me as a driver doesn’t change.”

Russell - Cars will allow teams to “race closer”

Russell believes the 2022 machines, which have been designed with a focus on allowing drivers to follow each other more closely, could pull the field closer together and will give drivers throughout the grid more of a chance.

He added: “If they manage to accomplish what they set out to do it will be great for the drivers. They are going to be less sensitive cars that will allow us to race closer, harder and you want hard, fair racing.

“That has been a little bit tricky with the current cars and regulations but the direction we are going in is going to be great. As long as we have a fast car it’s what we care about.

“The goal is to develop the car and the team to one that will give you the best possible results and as a driver, deliver the maximum and try and win races.

“From a Williams perspective, that may sound a bit silly from where we’re sat right here in the moment, but they have got a clear mid-to-long-term plan at Williams that they want to get the team back to the front.

“So wherever I find myself next year I will be giving 110 per cent, I will be fully dedicated, fully motivated because I just want to win.”