Mercedes keep George Russell and Valtteri Bottas waiting over future F1 plans

Bottas and Russell at Silverstone — Photo: © LAT Images

Mercedes

Mercedes keep Russell and Bottas waiting over future F1 plans

A decision was expected to be made ahead of this weekend's Belgian GP

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Thursday 26 August 2021 13:04 Updated: 13:11

Valtteri Bottas and George Russell remain in the dark over their F1 futures despite suggesting before the summer break a decision would be made by this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

Bottas and Williams driver Russell are currently vying for the second Mercedes seat next year alongside Lewis Hamilton.

Ahead of the break, both drivers and team principal Toto Wolff hinted at a decision being taken by this point.

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But sat together during the pre-weekend press conference, both confirmed there was "no news to share yet".

Asked if that was a surprise given the statements in Hungary, Bottas replied: "Not really, maybe I know something, maybe I don't but there is no news to share."

Russell added: "Still in discussions over the summer break but there is nothing to announce one way or another this weekend or probably not next weekend either to be honest, which I think is no problem.

"Everything is 'Do things right rather than quickly'."

Mercedes delay "not problematic"

Mercedes left its driver decisions until the 11th hour last year, with Hamilton not signing on to continue until February this term.

When asked at which point the delay on announcing driver plans would become problematic, Russell responded: "We are both fortunate that we are looked after in ways by Mercedes.

"We both trust them to look after our futures one way or another. From my side, there is no real problems and whether it is tomorrow or after Abu Dhabi, I guess you have to trust the people who are looking out for you."

Bottas added: "From my side, it is not problematic.

"It is nothing new for me and the situation overall, I am fine with it completely so it is really head down and focus for the weekend.

"I am sure the three weeks will fly by with the triple-header and we have a pretty good battle with the team so that is the main focus.

"Things eventually will sort themselves out."