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Williams Ready to Offer George Russell ‘Multi-Year’ F1 Deal After 2021

George Russell is one of the leading talents in the upcoming generation of drivers in Formula One. Since his debut season in 2019, Russell has proven why he is one of the most sought-after drivers on the grid today.

Across two seasons, he has outclassed two teammates in Robert Kubica and Nicholas Latifi, along with being very vocal in helping the team move forward.

At the press conference ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, Williams’ CEO Jost Capito answered questions on Russell’s future. Although he understands the current situation, he expressed his desire to keep the Briton at Williams.

George Russell would fit well at Williams, according to Capito

Although Russell races for Williams, he’s a part of the Mercedes junior driver program. It’s no secret that Russell is the favorite for getting the call up to Mercedes in the future.

With Lando Norris signing a multi-year deal with McLaren, it’s safe to say that the silly season in the driver’s market has already begun. And with this piece of news, questions of Russell’s future followed almost immediately.

Jost Capito addresses the future of George Russell
Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 20, 2021 Williams Racing Chief Executive Officer Jost Capito in the FIA Press Conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES

When asked about offering a multi-year deal to Russell, Capito had a simple response. “Of course,” said the German.

“He is doing a great job. He is a fantastic driver. We created a really good relationship and I think he would fit very well to Williams for our future as well and if he believes in our future there might be a chance to keep him.”

What does the future hold for Russell?

As part of the Mercedes Junior Team, Russell will always be in the discussion for the Mercedes seat. He also impressed in his one-off outing for Mercedes at the Sakhir Grand Prix last season, losing out on a race win due to pit-stop issues.

Mercedes' George Russell adjusts his Mercedes cap as he looks on before the Sakhir GP
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes GP prepares to drive on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of Sakhir at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

Capito is aware of the potential career paths that Russell has. He said, “I think George is a Mercedes driver for many years and I don’t think they will let him go. But we will see.

Meanwhile, at Mercedes, a debate is raging over Valtteri Bottas keeping his seat in 2022. With all this going on, do Williams have a genuine chance of retaining Russell? Or does a Mercedes car have the #63 on it in 2022?

The post Williams Ready to Offer George Russell ‘Multi-Year’ F1 Deal After 2021 appeared first on EssentiallySports.