“I’m always pretty relaxed about these decisions”- Toto Wolff claims there was nothing to worry about the 2021 future of George Russell.
George Russell was rumoured to lose his seat at Williams with the new owners were determined to plan out new success for the team but in the end, the Briton driver was retained by them.
Though amidst all of this it appeared out that Toto Wolff was backing Russell all this while, and now he claims that there was nothing to worry about his future.
“As George said Claire made the announcement earlier this year,” he said. “Nothing’s changed and this is our driver line-up for this year and next year. We’re very happy with them, and we look forward to continuing to work with them.”
Russell’s exit from Williams would have meant that he had to be without a team at least a year, but that was not concerning for Wolff, “I’m always pretty relaxed about these decisions because things come as they need to come,” the Mercedes team principal told Autosport.
“If George hadn’t been in Williams, that would have been a little bit annoying, but I guess he would have been a very strong reserve with us, and we would have found an additional programme for him.
“At the end, I’m happy that they decided in favour of him. I think he deserves it, his performances are outstanding. I think they made a good choice.”
Future with Mercedes? 2021 will decide
When asked about Russell in future might be replacing either of Valtteri Bottas who will yet again be out of contract at the end of 2021 or Lewis Hamilton, who might retire after 2021.
To which Wolff replied that it will depend upon Russell’s performances in 2021 and as for now Mercedes will remain committed with the duo that has been assigned for 2021.
“Well, it all depends on how next season goes,” he said. “Also in our team, our loyalty is highest for the guys in the car because we owe it to them to give them every opportunity.
“But then obviously George is pretty highly rated for the future,” he concluded.
