While the German manufacturer hopes to be able to sign a new contract with Lewis Hamilton during the summer break, the time for a call to its second seat is more uncertain.
Both Bottas and Russell are out of contracts by the end of this year, and there have been suggestions that the team could make a decision soon.
Since Bottas has had some problems lately, there has even been wild speculation that Mercedes might already announce the signing of Russell at the British Grand Prix.
However, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said at the French GP that there was no rush to determine what to do – and that the matter could possibly drag on into winter.
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When asked when there might be news, Wolff said: “Somewhere in winter, I think. But I don’t know whether it’s December, January or February. “
Urged whether the team would really wait that long, Wolff said: “That is very possible because we have always been committed and loyal to the drivers. And that’s what we do. “
Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes AMG
Photo by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images
Although Bottas experienced some disappointments this year, Wolff said the ball was in the Finn’s field, whether he could convince Mercedes to keep it.
When asked what Bottas had to do to stay with Mercedes, Wolff said: “Drive the car fast on a Saturday and Sunday. If he does that, he will be very well positioned for the next year. “
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It was also clear to Wolff that the final decision would be based on ultimate performance and that Mercedes would not be tempted to make the move just for a line-up change.
“The [a fresh impetus] is one of the things that need to be considered? Absolutely. But it’s not the main driver, ”he said.
“The main driver is constant performance. In this difficult year in particular, we need two drivers who are driving right there.
“When one has a weekend or DNFs, you need the other to bring him home. And that’s why it’s always important that both are at their maximum. “
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