George Russell expects a decision on the Mercedes drivers for the 2022 season to be reached by the team sometime this summer. The 23-year-old is tipped to replace either Valtteri Bottas, or possibly even Lewis Hamilton next season - should the seven-time world champion decided to quit F1 at the end of this year. However, despite persistent rumours linking him with the Brackley outfit, Russell insists he is trying to remain focused on the task at hand at Williams this year, instead of fixating on the future. “I need to focus on myself and I don’t need to be badgering them [Mercedes]," The British driver told the Press Association. “In the past I have always tried to make things happen, but it is different now. I have been with Mercedes for six years, they are my second family, and if it happens it will happen naturally. “It will not be any longer than the summer break (in August) for all parties involved – Mercedes, Williams and for all the drivers – so it is fair on everybody. Russell was fortunate enough to drive for Mercedes at last year's Sakhir Grand Prix, deputising for Lewis Hamilton who was struck down by COVID-19. The 2018 F2 champion drove superbly all weekend, only missing out on a race win due to a rare pitstop mix-up by Mercedes. Nevertheless, his impressive stand-in performance certainly seems to have caught the attention of Toto Wolff and co. “Unless anything catastrophic happens in the coming six months, Mercedes know the position I am in and the position they are in. I am getting stronger year-on-year and I believe I am at a level and ready to be fighting for wins and world championships. “But we will have to see. Formula One is a funny business and I don’t take anything for granted.”
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