“It’s a tricky one”– Nico Rosberg has identified the dilemma Mercedes is handling between George Russell and Valtteri Bottas.
Four years ago, Mercedes decided to hire Valtteri Bottas never again to have the egos collide of a superstar with Lewis Hamilton, as it did happen with Nico Rosberg.
Now, Bottas still serving his duty diligently; his time at Mercedes is maybe up, with the Brackley based team looking at George Russell to pair with Hamilton in 2022.
Rosberg, who has worked closely with Mercedes for some years, spot the dilemma they are facing and sincerely opines that it is a tricky situation to be in.
“It’s a tricky one because Bottas is doing well and basically deserves to stay,” Rosberg said in a conversation with Express Sport. “At the same time, Russell is a rising star who is performing incredibly well in a car that shouldn’t be in Q3 all the time,” he continued.
“So he actually deserves the Mercedes seat as well. It’s a difficult decision and I don’t think they know what they’re going to do yet,” said the 2016 world champion.
Mercedes will make sure everything is well with Valtteri Bottas
One thing more indicated towards Bottas’ exit next year is that recently Toto Wolff talked about the possibility of Mercedes and the Finn race driver breaking up.
And he assured that he would make sure Bottas has a team next year, even if the two parties mend the way. That team most probably could be Williams, as only there Mercedes among its allies could have a vacant spot for next year.
Apart from that, Bottas is reportedly gaining interest from Alfa Romeo, which could probably sack its current drivers– Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi, so to regain experience in its lineup, Bottas is not a bad option.
Meanwhile, Hamilton is trying hard to lobby for Bottas, as he claimed Bottas to be his best teammate ever.
