Verstappen and Leclerc believe Russell "deserves" Mercedes chance
Verstappen and Leclerc believe Russell "deserves" Mercedes chance
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.
“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.”
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 team OFFICIALLY confirms signing of new lead driver
- 49 minutes ago
F1 News Today: Hamilton hints Newey Ferrari move as Verstappen takes swipe at F1 rival
- 2 hours ago
Newey Red Bull EXIT date revealed as F1 star confirmed at new team - GPFans F1 Recap
- Yesterday 23:57
Verstappen takes F1 swipe at Hamilton and rivals with ruthless remark
- Yesterday 22:57
Marko defends Ricciardo in 'unbelievable' idiot claim
- Yesterday 21:57
Hamilton hints at sensational Newey arrival at Ferrari
- Yesterday 20:57
Related news
Legendary F1 circuit could be ditched due to spiralling costs
F1 confirms renewal of KEY race contract until 2025
Brundle names the ONE F1 driver operating well above expectations
F1 legend slams UNFAIR FIA proposal after 'deceiving fans'
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860