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More Reports Confirm Russell-Hamilton Pairing for Mercedes 2022
Mercedes are dominating the rumor mill when it comes to the silly season in the driver’s market. With Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas running out of contract at the end of this season, George Russell is the overwhelming favorite to take one of those coveted seats in 2022.
Although the summer break is still six weeks away, a new report has emerged with regard to one of the two seats at the Silver Arrows.
George Russell will reportedly replace Valtteri Bottas in 2022
Mercedes are in a unique position at the moment. Although their mainstay drivers, Hamilton and Bottas, achieved immense success with them, they run out of contract this season.
In addition, the Silver Arrows are advancing talks with Hamilton for a contract extension. However, the same cannot be said for Bottas. Despite a decent start to the season, the Finn faded away in the last two races, ending up with no points from them.
To make matters worse, Russell‘s one-off performance for Mercedes in the Sakhir Grand Prix last season overshadowed Bottas’. Although he finished P9, the Briton came within three-hundredths of a second to taking pole for that race.
At just 23 years old, Russell has many years left to perform in F1, which helps Mercedes’ long-term plans. As reported by Planet F1, who quoted F1 Insider, Russell will replace Bottas at Mercedes next season.
According to the rumour mill, George Russell has reportedly been told he will be replacing Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes.https://t.co/YXmVFxWmK4 #F1 pic.twitter.com/cCuNtT66xe
— Planet F1 (@Planet_F1) June 15, 2021
The report read, “Mercedes junior George Russell is to replace the Finn Valtteri Bottas in 2022. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is said to have already told the rest of Russell’s management that he should be ready.”
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What’s next for Bottas?
Should Mercedes announce Russell as a Mercedes driver for next season, Bottas will be the driver making way for the Briton. However, the Finn recently admitted to discussing his future with the Silver Arrows sooner rather than later. The outcome of those talks remain to be seen.
With a few teams yet to confirm their lineup for 2022, Red Bull advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, believes Williams is the only team the Finn can join. The Austrian said, “Actually, I can only imagine a swap with Russell. I think Williams will be the only option for him.”
Despite Sergio Perez‘s contract at Red Bull ending this season, Marko believes Bottas will not join his team next season. “Bottas doesn’t have to call us. There is no space.” said the 78-year-old.
Although the Finn is hopeful of extending his stay at Mercedes, it seems time has run out for the 31-year-old.
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