Rumours have grown over the last few weeks regarding George Russell's future at Williams with Sergio Perez linked with a switch. However, Toto Wolff has weighed in on the gossip, and encouraged Williams to keep the young Brit.
"Williams' new owners want to bring the team forward. This is only possible with good drivers. I would keep Russell in their place," said Wolff.
Williams uses Mercedes engines and an exit for Russell could make annoy German supplier. "We would not be happy, but it would not harm our relationship with Williams. The engine contract is not tied to Russell. It is a separate agreement. We have a contract with Williams until 2025, and Mercedes is known to respect contracts. And we respect Williams' independence. They have to make the decisions that are best for their team."
"Then we'll have a sensational reserve driver in George and give him as many testing opportunities as possible to prepare him for 2022 and beyond," concluded Wolff in conversation with Auto, Motor und Sport .