Current Williams driver George Russell is at the center of this year’s driver market movement as Mercedes is considering moving its star junior to its senior roster for next year to replace Valtteri Bottas.
But Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff announced on Friday that a decision about Russell’s future may not be made until winter, which Williams may put on hold to decide who will work with Nicholas Latifi.
Capito said Friday that he had no eye on a deadline to decide on next year’s lineup as he believed Williams would have time to wait before finalizing plans as it was becoming increasingly attractive to drivers.
“I think we have time,” said Capito.
“When I see the contacts, Williams seems to be the team the drivers want to join.
“You see what the new owners have done in the past, what they are doing. They see the investment, they see the changes in the team, they see the mood well, and they know Williams cares deeply about drivers and employees.
“I am sure that Williams will become more and more attractive to drivers in the coming months. That’s why we’re in no hurry. “
George Russell, Williams arrives
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Russell has starred since making his Williams debut in 2019, making it through the second quarter regularly, and never getting overqualified by his teammate.
Williams has already indicated that he would be willing to give Russell the multi-year contract he longs for if he stays for 2022, while Dave Robson, senior technical officer, said it was a “big loss” for that Team should Russell go.
Russell faced questions about Mercedes connections during the media day at Paul Ricard, but Capito was not concerned that the chatter was affecting his focus.
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“I don’t think he’s a very strong person,” said Capito when asked if Russell could be sidetracked by speculation about his future.
“He knows where he stands and his skills and his performance, I don’t see that at all. I think he’s very relaxed.
“He’s happy with us this year. It’s not the car’s performance that he would like, but he sees the team moving forward and he sees that in the future.
“That’s why he’s very self-confident and doesn’t mind, I’m sure of that.”
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