According to Ralf Schumacher, GEORGE RUSSELL has consolidated his place as a favorite for a Mercedes drive next season.
The former Formula 1 star believes Russell’s call-up for a summer tire test at the Merc is a clear sign that he will replace Valtteri Bottas.
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George Russell has the tip to drive for Mercedes next seasonCredit: Alamy
Team boss Toto Wolff has already announced that the drivetrain will be completed in 2022 during the summer break, which ends at the end of this month.
Lewis Hamilton is signed for another two seasons, with speculation centered on Bottas’ precarious position.
Many fans and pundits assumed that Williams star Russell, 23, would be the elevated driver if Bottas is removed – until Jacques Villeneuve claimed that Lance Stroll could get the nod.
But Schumacher, 46, has insisted that Russell’s move is all but complete.
The German said to AutoBild: “It’s true that [Aston Martin boss Lawrence] Stroll and Wolff are close friends.
“But how far would you go? I don’t think Lance Stroll plays a role at Mercedes.
“I think that’s where Russell is sitting. It is no coincidence that he is doing the tests for Mercedes with the new 18-inch tires that will be used next year.
“For me this is a clear indication.”
MER TO COME
Russell replaced Hamilton at last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix when the world champion was disfellowshipped due to the coronavirus.
And he collected his first points for Williams with a ninth place in Hungary last time, which was brought to eighth place after the disqualification of Sebastian Vettel.
The Briton’s summer break began with a test on the next year’s 18-inch wheels, doing 137 laps in the Mercedes before jetting to Santorini.
The fans are eagerly awaiting an announcement about his future with Bottas, 31, who will be dropped off at the Hungarian Grand Prix after falling in the first corner.
Bottas’ contract expires at the end of the year, but it has been speculated that Toto Wolff will try to find him in 2022 anyway.
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Ex-racing driver Villeneuve named Aston Martin’s Stroll as a contender for the Merc seat on the basis that Bottas will be moving in the opposite direction.
He had said: “Stroll Snr’s dream, very close to Toto Wolff, is to see his son win championships.
“And Toto needs a place for Valtteri.”
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