George Russell is confident that Mercedes will confirm his future in Formula 1 at the right time as he continues to be heavily linked about a move to the world champions alongside Lewis Hamilton. Russell, who impressed in F1's recent triple-header, would replace Valtteri Bottas if he does leave Williams for Mercedes in 2022. “I’m really not pressurising anybody, because I want to do the talking on the track and just focus on circuit, because I know if I do the job on the track, everything will sort itself out,” Russell told RacingNews365.com and other members of the press. “Mercedes know me so well throughout all the years, and I’m in contact with them daily, as it has been for the last three years. They’ll get it done, when they believe it’s the right time, whichever way they decide to go.” Russell is delighted that Hamilton signed a new two-year deal to remain with Mercedes until the end of 2023 and he reaffirmed his stance that he wants to race against the best drivers in the world. “I’m really pleased to see Lewis staying in the sport, he’s obviously a worldwide superstar and still performing at an exceptional level,” said Russell. “He’s like a fine wine, he keeps getting better with age. Max [Verstappen] and Red Bull seem very strong, but I’m sure Lewis is going to be pushing the whole way. I just think it’s really great for F1 to have a guy like Lewis staying. “If Lewis wouldn’t be on the grid next year, it would be a shame, because there would be one of the greatest of all-time not on the grid. “For me personally, I want to compete against the best people in the world, which I think, to be honest, on the grid right now, we’ve got a very good group of drivers who deserve to be here.”
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