Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has offered an update on George Russell and Valtteri Bottas’ situation, insisting that the process is “not yet completed” while the Formula 1 world is waiting for an announcement. Both drivers know where their future lies, but the world champions still have paperwork to do before confirming who will be driving for them next season.
Russell is widely expected to join Mercedes after three impressive years with Williams after taking his maiden podium under unusual circumstances at the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend.
The 23-year-old Mercedes junior driver has long been nominated for the future world championship and, as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate, will improve the Silver Arrows’ chances of continuing to dominate the F1 grid even after the big 2022 race.
Bottas, meanwhile, is expected to be named as Alfa Romeo’s replacement for the retired Kimi Räikkönen.
Mercedes has yet to confirm their decision, which means it is still possible that Bottas could stay alongside Hamilton in what is currently his fourth season at Mercedes.
And Wolff insists that not all the details have been finalized as he was asked again when his team will announce the driver line-up from 2022.
“Finished means signed? No, it’s not finished yet,” said Wolff on Friday after FP1 to Sky Sports F1 in Zandvoort.
MUST READ: Russell “prepares for Mercedes advertisement” with Bottas’ next step decided
“We know you all asked the right reasons, but you also have to go through the process step by step and announce when there is something to announce.
“The process aims to ensure that everyone is in a good place and that all contracts are signed.”
Wolff, meanwhile, believes the tumultuous nature of Nico Rosberg and Hamilton’s relationship during their three years at Mercedes means the team is ready for any eventuality.
The Silver Arrows enjoyed a harmonious atmosphere together with Hamilton and Bottas and a mix-up of their driver line-up threatens to throw the team off balance.
The Austrian continues: “All personalities are different and the situation between the two teammates is also the people and their past.
“Something we learned, I personally learned about Alain Prost’s situation with Ayrton Senna.
Follow our new Express Sport Instagram page
“I talked to Prost about it and learned on the job with Nico [Rosberg] and Lewis. If we were to drive in a situation where drivers are fighting against each other, then I think we can benefit from learning. “
Russell confirmed Thursday that he knows which team he will race for in 2022, saying: “[I was told] orally before spa.
“As I said, I’m not going to sit here and lie and tell the truth. The truth is that there is nothing to announce. But as I said, I am aware of the situation where I will be racing next year.” and I was informed shortly before Spa. “
MORE F1 NEWS …
Lewis Hamilton fan charters £ 1,600 plane to send news of the Dutch GP
Mercedes could close a second deal with Alfa Romeo if Bottas changes teams
Charles Leclerc calls on Mercedes to cut Bottas for Russell
While Bottas said when asked if he knew about his future: “Maybe I will, maybe not. I don’t want to say more, but yes, things are going in the right direction and I’m happy and excited.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton said: “I think George is an incredibly talented driver, of course. I would say probably the only highlight of the last week.” [at Spa] was his qualifying round, it was amazing.
“I think he’s humble, I think he has a great approach, of course being British would help me in terms of communication.
“He’s the future. He’s one of the members of the future of the sport. I think he’s shown incredible driving so far.
“I’m sure he will keep growing, so where better to do that than in a great team like this or whatever team he goes to?
“If it turns out that I have a new team-mate, I’ll be in a different place in my life. I’m happy to see the young players.
“Of course I don’t want to lose to a youngster, but I’m looking forward to the development of the sport because at the end of the day I’m a fan of the sport.
“You heard me talk about Lando earlier in the year [Norris]. It’s encouraging to see these young people get through.
“They are wild and I see a lot of myself in the younger generation. Sport will rely on them.”
The post Mercedes offers a new update on the announcement of George Russell and Valtteri Bottas at the Dutch GP | F1 | Sports first appeared on monter-une-startup.
