George Russell was one of the hottest topics of the season amid a possible move to the masterful F1 team Mercedes AMG. Toto Wolff, the Brit’s manager, has also shown signs of acknowledging the speculation. And that move will brighten the driver market, with a possible vacancy at Williams.
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There is of course Nico Hülkenberg, who absolutely wants to start again after two years. However, the German is facing tough competition from two Formula E drivers – Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne, the latter being a major competitor.
Vandoorne longs for a comeback in F1 after the short but inconspicuous phase with McLaren. In the midst of increasing discussions about Vandoorne’s possible return, Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said that both Mercedes EQ drivers deserved to drive in Formula 1.
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What did Toto Wolff say?
In an interview with Autosport, the Austrian said that both Vandoorne and de Vries are talented enough to enter the world of F1. Of course, this may have something to do with her recent run at the London E-Prix. After both drivers had qualified outside the top 8, they were able to place themselves in commendable positions.
“Both drivers have the talent and the work ethic and the intelligence to be in Formula One. Both have won the most important junior series, ”he said.
Stoffel Vandoorne from Belgium and McLaren Honda walk in the paddock during the previews before the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Dan Istitene / Getty Images)
“Stoffel was thrown into a situation with McLaren that was difficult to deal with at the time. Both deserve to be Formula 1. And I very much hope that they will find their way back. “
Wolff also assumed that he would not stand in the way of Vandoorne or de Vries if either of them had the opportunity to drive in Formula 1. “I’m very happy to have you as our driver in Formula E, I can’t ask for anyone else.
“But I wouldn’t stand in the way of any driver if he had the opportunity to drive in Formula 1,” said the Austrian.
Options available for Williams F1 in 2022
At first it looked like Valtteri Bottas would be returning to his former Team Williams and changing seats with Russell.
However, recent developments suggested the Finn could head to the Ferrari-backed Alfa Romeo instead, potentially replacing Kimi Raikkonen.
Formula 1 F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – May 9, 2021 Mercedes third Valtteri Bottas celebrates with a trophy on the podium REUTERS / Albert Gea
This gives Mercedes a large selection for the decisive second seat at Williams. There are two drivers currently competing in the experienced category – Hulkenberg and Vandoorne.
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In addition to the duo, there is de Vries, 2020 F2 runner-up Callum Ilott, Williams test driver Roy Nissany and others. With Pierre Gasly, there could also be a surprise candidate who would like to get out of the Red Bull family.
So who’s going to end up next to Nicholas Latifi next season, with so many tickets to choose from?
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View history: Shortest F1 driver of all time with Yuki Tsunoda & Lando Norris
The post Toto Wolff vouches for ex-McLaren drivers for an F1 return in 2022 first appeared on monter-une-startup.
