KMAG and Grosjean leaving Haas, confirmed. Big changes at that team and rightfully so. Would be amazed if Mick Schumacher didn’t join either Alfa or Haas- huge for the Haas/Alfa brands that would be and they really ought to be chasing Hulk and or Perez. That said, I believe both of those are strongly linked to Williams. The George Russell scenario would become interesting then- he either gets tested against a very good yardstick as team mate or of course has to find another seat. Im not sure one exists really as Haas/Alfa won’t be looking after a young Mercedes driver and Alpine look committed with Alonso and a French driver. I would not at all be surprised to see Ocon wind up at Williams/Haas for a permanent seat and Renault rescue Pierre Gasly from the Red Bull shark tank. You know who I think might come sniffing around George Russell and be bold enough to gamble on him? Red Bull racing. Just something about that fit to me that might work. It circumvents their young driver programme but also shows they aren’t afraid to snap up young talent if it’s available. He has done a grand job at Williams steering that car to better performance with completely useless team mates and he just looks classy. Big future I think. Alpha Tauri: Albon/Kyvyat(OR new young driver programme option) Williams: Ocon & Hulkenberg Haas: Perez & ????? Alfa Romeo: Raikonnen & Schumacher Racing Point: Stroll & Vettel McLaren: Ricciardo & Norris Alpine: Alonso & Gasly Red Bull: Verstappen & Russell Ferrari: LeClerc & Sainz Mercedes: Hamilton & Bottas Would take that grid for next year if I was offered it!!
Would be an absolute travesty if Russell winds up without a drive. Feels like same ****, different owners at Williams. They'll just be looking to sell on at a profit for 2022 imo. It's about time Hass made a change though. Russell and Schumacher might not be a bad shout if they're willing to give Russell one year. Need him in that Merc sooner rather than later.
George would require Williams release him. I would like to see Vettel in the Merc but that isn't going to happen. Just would love to see the grin on his. On pace in qualifying Bottas is fast, in race he struggles because if he slips down it is not an easy journey back. I would like to see Perez in the Merc but might it be the Hulk again.
Just read BBC article on Merc replacement driver. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/55142428 I had not read that Merc asked Williams if they would release Russell before they confirmed Bottas for 2021!! Williams said no!. It's very unlikely that Williams can get more points to overtake Haas so maybe Merc will pay Williams more that they could gain from moving up a place in championship to have Russell drive but I doubt it. My guess is either Stoffel or Hulk. Hulk has some good experience in the Tracking Point with 2020 Merc PU and 2019 chassis!! But then again it's not like Merc need points. Hopefully they will do everything they can to help Bottas maintain 2nd?
Would be lovely to see how Russel performs in the Merc. Just don't see that one happening. Step forward Hulk and that podium. Speedy recovery to Hamilton!
Nice opportunity for George Russell! I think we also have to be realistic as well- he is gonna have to adjust and get used to a very different car so it’s not a given he will grab a podium. This is a very unique circuit too where we expect Renault and McLaren to be quite handy with low drag set ups.
But what if he does win? He has the best knowledge of the car other than Bottas and Hamilton, and the talent. So he has a good fighting chance. The car is also half a second quicker than any other which is a nice cushion.
I also have a theory George will be at Mercedes in 2022. Perez will then replace him after his year off.
Well we musn't get ahead of ourselves. But it would be epic. If he beats Bottas it will be hilarious.
It can only be significant that Mercedes have requested permission from Williams to borrow George when Vandoorne would have been easier.