This call is hugely important to the two drivers involved as it will determine the nature of their F1 careers – and the success they can achieve – for the years to come.
But it is also a decision that not only affects the men in the cockpit, but also affects other teams on the grid.
On the one hand, there are teams like Alfa Romeo, who see it as an opportunity when someone with racing talent like Bottas suddenly comes onto the market as a free agent.
But equally, the situation could be a headache for Williams if the company loses star man Russell the moment new F1 regulations give him the chance to take a decent step forward in 2022.
If Russell is tied to Mercedes, then it certainly doesn’t sound that easy for a team that ended up last in the constructors’ championship in the past to find someone who is as fast as the Briton and who can take on the coat as such a brilliant eye-catcher three seasons.
Williams can’t offer many competitive guarantees right now because, despite all the formidable Saturdays the team has done with Russell this year, it still has to score an elusive championship point it so desperately desires.
But instead of risking being left with no solid driving options if Russell is acquired by Mercedes, the shape of the F1 driver market actually means his situation isn’t too bad – with an abundance of both young and seasoned options on hand in case he does have to look elsewhere.
The first decision Williams has to make is whether or not to stay with Russell’s teammate Nicholas Latifi, whose original two-year contract with the team expires this season.
Nicholas Latifi, Williams FW43B
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
While Latifi has not yet scored any points for Williams, the valuable sponsorship his Canadian supporters bring him is of value at a time when F1 costs are still very high.
Once the Latifi call is made, the next most obvious point to Williams will be whether or not engine partner Mercedes wants to replace Russell with another of its junior drivers.
There are more and more rumors that Mercedes is considering changing the Formula E series leader Nyck de Vries from his works team in the all-electric championship to a seat at Williams.
As a former F2 champion, De Vries is already a substitute driver for Mercedes in F1 and the German automaker may believe that the 26-year-old still has the potential for a future in Grand Prix racing.
At the FE event in London last weekend, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff knew that he felt both de Vries and his teammates Stoffel Vandoorne deserved chances in F1.
“Sstoffel was thrown into a situation with McLaren that was difficult to deal with at the time,” he said. “They both deserve to be Formula One and I really hope they find their way back.
“I’m really happy to have them as our drivers in Formula E, I couldn’t ask for anyone else. But I wouldn’t stand in the way of any driver if they had the opportunity to drive in Formula 1.”
Williams doesn’t fully rely on Mercedes filling the Russell position as there are many other options.
The team was able to take a look at its own young driver Dan Ticktum, who has been a member of the Williams Driver Academy since the end of 2019.
The Brit is well known for his raw natural talent and strong personality, which has made headlines for both the right and the wrong reasons throughout his career.
Dan Ticktum, Carlin, 3rd place
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
But after Williams has won races in Formula 2 for the past two seasons and is currently fourth overall, Williams might feel like giving him a step up is worth doing.
Likewise, there are many seasoned options that would help Williams give the strong foundation needed to move it forward for the new rules.
Former Williams driver Nico Hulkenberg hasn’t entirely given up on an F1 future after putting in some formidable feats for Racing Point as a super submarine in 2020.
The German is a reserve for Aston Martin and Mercedes this season and has therefore been kept informed of the latest developments from the F1 team.
Then alpine reserve Daniil Kvyat He still feels he has a lot to offer F1 after losing his seat at AlphaTauri late last year.
The Russian had a strong end to the 2020 season and his previous experience at Red Bull and Ferrari would be invaluable to a Williams team undergoing renovation.
For Williams, the options are wide-ranging – but there’s little point in worrying about it until Mercedes makes its big call over the next few weeks.
The post De Vries? Kvyat? Williams’ F1 options if he loses Russell first appeared on monter-une-startup.
