Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc believe George Russell "deserves" Mercedes chance

Belgian Grand Prix

Verstappen and Leclerc believe Russell "deserves" Mercedes chance

Russell is in direct competition with Valtteri Bottas to partner Lewis Hamilton in 2022

Ian Parkes & Sam Hall

Friday 27 August 2021 08:00

Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen have both voiced support for George Russell by declaring the Briton "deserves" a seat at Mercedes in 2022.

Williams driver Russell and Lewis Hamilton's current team-mate Valtteri Bottas are both out of contract at the end of the season, with Mercedes yet to decide who will complete its future line-up.

Should Mercedes opt to change its roster for the first time since 2017, Russell has shown enough to garner support from his peers.

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“I think it is great if George gets that seat because he deserves it," said Ferrari driver Leclerc.

"It is always very difficult to judge in Formula 1 because the cars are so different and obviously, with George being at Williams it is always difficult to judge how much of a good job he is doing.

“But he is consistently there and showing good things and also in the past I have raced with him and I know how strong he is.

“So he definitely deserves that spot and I think it will be great to have such a talented driver in that seat.”

Russell 'can't stay at Williams forever'

At Hungary, Russell scored his first points for Williams at the 49th time of asking.

Although signing with Mercedes could thrust Russell into direct competition with Verstappen next year, the Dutchman has also backed the Briton for the move.

“George is very quick and he can’t stay where he is forever," said Verstappen "I think he deserves more.

"At the end of the day, it is up to Mercedes to make the call, so not really from my side but for sure, I rate him very highly as a driver.

“And he is of course very young as well, so it is natural the younger guys, at some point, move up and especially the good drivers.”