F1 super talent George Russell prepares for an extended stay with Williams

It is possible that one of the hottest young talents in Formula 1 could join one of the worst performing teams for the next few seasons.

George Russell, who played the lead role in a one-race showcase for Mercedes last season in Bahrain with 59 of 87 laps, is in his final year of contract with Williams. And while it appears Russell couldn’t wait to get out of the Williams garages – the team has only scored one point since the start of the 2019 season – the possibility of a long-term contract could change his mind.

Russell, a Mercedes junior product, knows there aren’t many openings planned for 2021 with the top teams in F1. Unless Mercedes ditch Valtteri Bottas or Lewis Hamilton retires, it seems like the only option for Mercedes to keep Russell as a possible replacement for Hamilton could be for him to stay with Williams longer.

And, surprisingly, that might be okay for 23-year-old Russell.

George Russell drives the Monaco circuit before the start of practice on Thursday.

Lars BaronGetty Images

“I definitely think that in the position I am in right now, being a free agent is a good position,” Russell said in Monte Carlo this week ahead of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix on Sunday. “But I think stability and longevity are important. I think it’s so clear that with people who have been moving lately, it’s so difficult to join a new team and adjust to it.”

“Wherever I am in the next year I want it to be at least a couple of years because I think it’s important to have this consistently in order to grow and make progress.”

In this quest for stability, Russell added that he was already trying to pull away from the track. He plans to look for places to live in Monaco sometime after the Grand Prix.

It’s easy to see that Russell is keen to compete with the top teams and drivers in the series. He’d love to be able to show what he’s got every week in a competitive car against 21-year-old Lando Norris, who signed a multi-year deal with McLaren this week.

Lando Norris, right, leads George Russell earlier this season at Imola.

MIGUEL MEDINAGetty Images

“But really happy for Lando,” said Russell. “He’s done a fantastic job lately. McLaren as a package with Lando is doing exceptional things so next year will be interesting. I think they could be a real threat to the top teams and to the championship.”

The benefactor in Russell’s apparent roadblock for an early top drive could be Williams team boss Jose Capito. Mercedes has no problem parking Russell with tech partner Williams and having Russell just a phone call away.

“I think George has been a Mercedes driver for many years and I don’t think they’ll let him go,” said Capito. “But we’ll see. We have time to talk about drivers. We don’t have to discuss this now.”

When asked about the possibility of fulfilling Russell’s desire for a multi-year contract, Capito suggested that he might just be able to make it happen.

“Of course,” said Capito. “He’s doing a great job. He’s a fantastic driver. We’ve built a really good relationship and I think he would be a great fit for Williams for our future too and if he believes in our future there might be a chance to keep this. ” him.”

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