Formula 1

WOLFF ABOUT RUSSELL SITITUATION : “IN THE END IT’S WILLIAMS’S DECISION”

Published

2 years ago

24/10/2020

WOLFF ABOUT RUSSELL SITITUATION IN THE END IT S WILLIAMS S DECISION

Sergio Perez seems to be in with a good chance of stealing the young Brit’s seat.

Russell and team-mate Nicholas Latifi have contracts to drive for Williams again in 2021. Both have stated this is unaffected by Williams being sold to Dorilton Capital since they were announced as the team’s 2021 drivers.

However, it is understood that Williams has held some talks with Sergio Perez’s representatives as the Mexican is out of a drive for next year after losing his seat to Sebastian Vettel.

Facing limited options to find a seat on the grid for next season, speculation has linked the Racing Point driver Perez with a switch to Williams, possibly replacing Mercedes junior Russell given that Latifi brings financial backing.

Speaking on Friday ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix, acting team principal Simon Roberts refused to rule out a move for Perez, or to confirm that Russell or Latifi will retain their places, though he did stress “nothing has changed” with the team’s driver plans.

The failure to put the Perez rumours to bed has only increased speculation about Russell’s future at the team.

“In the end it’s Williams’s decision,” Wolff said when asked about the situation from a Mercedes perspective.

“We all know about George’s capabilities. He is a star of the future who remains unbeaten by his teammates in Formula 1.

“Sometimes he is able to show highlights in a car that is not competitive at the moment. And I think he’s a great team asset.

“But there’s obviously a financial reality that I cannot judge at all, and it’s absolutely at the discretion of the new owners and Simon to decide what they want to do going forward.”

Wolff confirmed that Mercedes has contacted Williams about Russell’s position at the Grove-based squad.

“We’ve touched base about George but at the end, like I said, it’s their call,” he said.

WOLFF ABOUT RUSSELL SITITUATION : “IN THE END IT’S WILLIAMS’S DECISION” WOLFF ABOUT RUSSELL SITITUATION : “IN THE END IT’S WILLIAMS’S DECISION”