Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has refused to rule out a move from Williams star George Russell before next season, but only if Mercedes decides to keep Valtteri Bottas for at least another year. Russell has been heavily linked to a future Silver Arrows racing seat after making a name for himself as one of the best young drivers in F1.
The 23-year-old has consistently outperformed his Williams machinery, beating his teammates in every single qualifying so far, with his efforts behind the wheel proving his frightening skills and potential to win the championship.
He remains in the Mercedes books as a junior driver as he has been virtually on loan to Williams since his debut at the start of the 2019 season.
It has been widely suggested that the German team hand over a seat to Russell for next year to replace Bottas, who has not impressed lately.
The Finn will be out of the contract at the end of the current season and is already facing a huge battle to catch up against Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at the top of the table.
Although Russell seems like the obvious solution to Mercedes’ dilemma, Marko has suggested that Red Bull could try to take over the move and get the Norfolk man into his own garage.
JUST IN: George Russell explains Mercedes promise and opens links
However, the 78-year-old also stated that he fully believes the Silver Arrows will give Russell the call-up and admitted that he would be shocked if the Williams man were snubbed.
“Russell is certainly worth considering with the performance he is now showing at Williams,” Marko told Motorsport-Total.com.
“The only thing is, it’s so utopian, because if Mercedes let him go, it would be such a faux pas that I honestly can’t imagine it.”
Marko added that he expects a Mercedes approach for Russell before next season, and when asked if Red Bull will make an offer if the move doesn’t materialize, he replied, “If I’m properly informed, it is that is not relevant. ” . “
DO NOT MISS
Russell is widely recognized as one of the most talented drivers on the current grid due to his outstanding performance over the past few years.
At last month’s Austrian Grand Prix, he made it into Q3 for the first time in a Williams before narrowly missing a point-paying finish in the race the following day.
Williams team principal Jost Capito recently suggested that he wouldn’t allow Russell to join Mercedes before next year, but emphasized that the native King’s Lynn is more than happy with his current surroundings.
“George’s contract ends at the end of the year, a three-year contract that ends,” Capito told Autosport.
“That’s it. He’s free at the end of the year. I think he’s happy with Williams right now. He’s happy to work with us.”
“He sees where the team is going. He sees the changes we’re making, the approach we’re taking. So he’s very supportive of all of this and he’s positive.
“Of course, if he had the chance to get into a Mercedes, he’d be stupid not to. But if he doesn’t get the chance to get into the Mercedes, he’d love to stay with Williams.” .
“That’s all we can work and hope for.”
The post Red Bull change for George Russell “worth considering” if Mercedes keeps Valtteri Bottas | F1 | Sports first appeared on monter-une-startup.
