George Russell Qualifying

[GR63]

In light of his recent qualifying performances in that shopping trolley...

Does ANYONE think he does not deserve a Merc seat and if so, please share your thinking?

Darn Maxine spoiling a Williams pole....

 

[GR63]

It seems Merc say they had already made their decision but wont/cant announce.. reckon they are making sure VB77 has a seat sorted before they do and they can't announce an Alfa seat if Kimi hasnt announced retirement yet

 

[GR63]

George should sign a contract saying he'll take team orders but nothing like "#2 to Lewis".. then if he beats Lewis in a race team less likely to order him out of way

 

[GR63]

Lewis probably doesn't have too many years left in him operating at such a high level.

If Russell is the real deal, I imagine Mercedes want to lock him in as a future replacement for Lewis. That may well mean playing 2nd fiddle to Lewis for a few years.

Exactly this... I suspect George might be happy to do that too, knowing he'll get wins while he waits

 

[GR63]

If Lewis was well ahead in the championship, I could see Merc announcing Russell ASAP but as things stand they can't afford to upset the apple cart (VB) and risk losing the WCC.

I'd sign Russell and keep him happy, move VB on to someone else with a golden handshake and let Lewis know that they're giving the up and coming talent a punt (as McLaren did for him). If Lewis doesn't want to take the gamble in 2022 with the new aero regs he'll retire as 8x WDC and if the Merc is a dog then he saves face. If he stays and the car is a dog he risks being beaten by Russell and everyone else jumping on the "it was the car all along" bandwagon... I don't think he wants that.

Russell will play ball for year 1 for sure (he wouldnt make all those noises if he didnt intend to) but IF he impresses a LOT vs Lewis then for year 2 all bets might be off