Reuters
Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 26, 2021 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and Williams’ George Russell in the FIA Press Conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS ??ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 26, 2021 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and Williams’ George Russell in the FIA Press Conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS ??ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
George Russell finally finds himself in the Brackley outfit of Mercedes. Making PR videos for the team in the customary Tommy Hilfiger outfits, the reality is setting in for Russell. The driver will also be driving beside Lewis Hamilton- a seven-time champion and the star of the team. However. he isn’t too worried about that.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Valtteri Bottas‘ infamous role as the second driver in Mercedes was often heartbreaking to watch. However, Russell looks on the greener side of things. “What I admire so much about Mercedes and Wolff is their loyalty. They also demonstrated it with Bottas, who was a key figure in achieving all these successes.”
Instead, Russell finds himself in Bottas’ shoes, looking forward to what he can unleash with the new team. “He actually played an incredibly important part in the team’s victories. And Mercedes rewarded him for that loyalty: even when Bottas had a bad race or two last year, the team didn’t give him the nod.”
Read more: What Are Your Favorite F1 Drivers Doing These Days Featuring Hamilton, Verstappen & Ricciardo?
Thus, Russell has a strong faith in his new team; it’s highly doubtful that Russell will find himself in the role of the second driver, especially since he too has a shot at the championship.
Mercedes a pool of opportunity for George Russell
Russell goes on in his praise for the team. For Russell, the Silver Arrows are a symbol of opportunities; one that he hopes to take full advantage of in the years to come. “Mercedes gives people all the opportunities of the case. I am a 23-year-old boy. For their part, there is no need to rush. We have whole years ahead of us. If I work hard, I mustn’t have fears for my future.”
Reuters
FILE PHOTO: Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium – September 1, 2019 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Williams’ George Russell before the race REUTERS/Johanna Geron/File Photo
Once again, he looks to his predecessor for reference. “Mercedes will reward me with the loyalty it has shown to Bottas, and that attitude gives confidence to both me and the 2,000 employees between Brackley and Brixworth. “
Now, Russell has a mammoth task ahead of him: to impress the crowds as he once did in Sakhir. With the pecking order leveled and Mercedes car beneath him, the world is his playground.
Watch this story: Toto Wolff Swears, Valtteri Bottas Bares: Funniest Moments From Drive to Survive
