“We’ll be OK” – Williams CEO Jost Capito is prepared to see George Russell move to Mercedes next season, replacing Valtteri Bottas.
If paddock grapevine is to be believed, George Russell is bound to move to Mercedes next season. Even his Williams boss Jost Capito is hinting the same, in a conversation with Race Fans. Asked if they are concerned Mercedes are leaning in towards Russell, he had this to say.
“No and I don’t care.
“I wish that George gets the [Mercedes] seat because he’s in the position now, in his time of career, where he can handle to be in a top team and fight for the championship.
“I would never hold a young driver back if he can have this type of opportunity. So I hope for him, that he gets this opportunity.
“From the team’s side, we would very much love to keep him, so if he goes to Mercedes and gets the offer, he gets the full support from us. If not, he gets the full support from us. That’s why we can easily wait for that driver decision whichever way it comes. We’ll be OK.”
A few of Williams’ 2022 options if it loses George Russell 👀
With Mercedes set to make a final choice in the summer break on whether Russell or Bottas partners Hamilton next season, who should Williams sign if they lose their star driver? ⭐#F1 #Formula1 #Williams #Autosport pic.twitter.com/LMSIurtvn2
— Autosport (@autosport) July 28, 2021
Who will replace George Russell at Williams?
Williams have quite a few contenders to replace Russell, most prominently Valtteri Bottas and Nico Hulkenberg. With most teams set for next season, the transfer speculation at Williams would be sky-high this silly season.
“I think every driver who hasn’t got a big seat for next year or has an option for next year is talking to us at the moment. It seems the Williams seat is the most aspired seat in F1 right now for a team that has to fill a seat.”
