George Russell Makes Final Declaration on Driving for Red Bull in 2022 | F1 | Sports

George Russell says he has categorically ruled out Red Bull as an option next season due to his “loyalty” to Mercedes as the Briton continues to speculate about his future in Formula 1 in 2022.

The 23-year-old has strong ties with Mercedes next season, with some suggesting he will replace Valtteri Bottas at the seven-time champions next season.

The reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton secured his future at Mercedes for another two years at the end of the year, but his team-mate Bottas seems to be hovering over his future in the team.

Rumors began to swirl towards the end of 2020 when Russell stepped in for Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix, impressed on the debut for the world champion and scored his first points in Formula 1.

The young Mercedes driver was on his way to Grand Prix victory after overtaking his team-mate Bottas at the beginning of the race, but had to be content with P9 after a pit stop mistake and a puncture.

SIMPLE IN:
McLaren CEO Zak Brown tests positive for Covid days after the Euro final

But since his performance, the Brit, who will become a free agent at the end of the year, has drawn the attention of many teams in the paddock, including Red Bull, which recently expressed an interest in the 23-year-old.

But as flattering as the young driver found it, Russell confirmed to Express Sport that he had no interest in becoming a Red Bull driver in the foreseeable future.

“Without a doubt, it’s always nice to hear nice things from distinguished people in the paddock,” Russell said exclusively to Express Sport.

“But of course I’m a Mercedes driver and I’m loyal to everyone there.

“So, you know, they stood by me, I stood by them.

DO NOT MISS:
Red Bull will decide between two drivers in 2022 by Max Verstappen’s teammates
Red Bull urges rival Mercedes to give George Russell a chance
Max Verstappen suspicious of Lewis Hamilton ‘Edge’ in F1 title fight

“It’s nice to hear people say that, of course, but it doesn’t change anything.

“And I won’t be driving for Red Bull next year.

“I can tell you that exclusively.”

Russell helped turn Williams around, praising his team ahead of the British Grand Prix for their hard work this season and their ambition to move forward while taking on the role he had to play.

He continued to Express Sport: “Above all, that we are really making progress now.

“And you know, it was such a tough time for the team and all of the financial troubles before.

But we’re past this corner and we’re really making progress.

“And to be a part of it, no matter what happens in the future, you have always been part of that process.

“And I have no doubt that Williams will return to the front lines in the next three to five to ten years.”