It was in the air for days, now there is official confirmation. George Russell will replace Valtteri Bottas driving the Mercedes. The British baby phenomenon, 23 years old this season at the wheel of Williams, will form a real dream team with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who he had already replaced in last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix after the coronavirus positivity of the world champion. Russell represents one of the most interesting prospects that Formula 1 has launched in recent years, and many have already bothered comparisons with Hamilton himself: last week, at Spa, he obtained a sensational second position in qualifying, under the deluge of Ardenne, which then translated into a podium after the questionable decision of the race direction to suspend the race after only two laps due to rain.
Russell’s joy was uncontainable: «It’s a special day for me», his first statements, after he had made it known in recent days that he had known for some time where he would race next season. Russell’s officialization in Mercedes upsets the drivers market: after five years in Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas seems destined for Alfa Romeo, where the confirmation of Antonio Giovinazzi could be jeopardized by the possible arrival of Alexander Albon, Red Bull reserve, after that the Stuttgart team principal Toto Wolff vetoed his possible arrival in Williams, powered by Mercedes