Russell doesn't believe in opportunities outside Williams: ''Claire won't let me''

F1 News

9 July 2020 at 14:22
Last update 9 July 2020 at 14:50
  • GPblog.com

Mercedes is facing a dilemma in 2021. They either have to extend Valtteri Bottas his contract or promote Mercedes protégé George Russell to the team. Russell always hopes for the latter.

''I have a contract with Williams for next year, but I'm also a Mercedes junior. I don't think Claire is going to let me go to any other bunch than Mercedes. And even then it's not in my hands. It is in their hands and I have to focus on my work and do it as well as possible", says Russell at the press conference in the presence of Racefans.net.

Russell happy with Alonso

Fernando Alonso also fills a seat in Formula 1 in 2021 and according to Russell it is only good that the best drivers are active in F1. ''I was happy because in Formula 1 it's all about the best drivers being able to drive and Alonso is clearly one of the best drivers'', says Russell who doesn't advocate for younger drivers.

''Of course there are people who think he's depriving young drivers of the chance of a seat, but I think it's the best solution for Renault and Fernando at the moment. He will come back strong next season'', concludes Russell who as a driver in F2 might have thought differently about this move.