George Russell qualifying performance seals Mercedes drive - Williams

Russell, Williams, Belgium — Photo: © LAT Images

Belgian Grand Prix

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Russell qualifying performance seals Mercedes drive - Williams

Russell finished second for Williams at Spa-Francorchamps

Ewan Gale

Saturday 28 August 2021 19:43

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Williams team principal Jost Capito believes George Russell's qualifying performance at the Belgian Grand Prix has cemented his place at Mercedes for 2022.

Russell is vying with current Silver Arrows driver Valtteri Bottas for the opportunity to partner Lewis Hamilton in F1's new era from next year.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed he has made a decision, although is refusing to announce it just yet as he wants to ensure the driver who misses out has a secure future.

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Russell was sensational in wet conditions to finish second in qualifying, a place ahead of Lewis Hamilton, with Bottas only eighth for Mercedes.

Capito feels the result has sealed the deal for Russell.

"We would love to keep him, of course, but I think with this result today, if Toto hasn't got the decision done yet, I think this puts him even more to Mercedes," he told Sky Sports F1.

"We, especially me, I am very happy to see him in a Mercedes. The talent is so great for his age. He deserves to be in a car that is capable of winning the championship and we fully support him in that."

Williams "to go for it" in race

After years of struggles, Williams qualified on the front row for the first time since 2017 at the Italian Grand Prix.

Asked what the plan of attack was for race day, Capito said: "We don't know yet.

"We will analyse the weather situation and then just go for it. It is too early to say because we never plan the strategy based on the qualifying result so now we have got some time to discuss that and find a good solution.

"I said before it is better to smile in the rain than to cry in the sunshine."