George Russell: F1 is lacking "at least two teams"

Mercedes junior driver George Russell thinks that the F1 is currently lacking at least two teams, as the Formula 2 championship leader believes it is too hard for young drivers to break into the current grid.

Russell currently does not have an F1 seat for next season, despite him being the likely champion in Formula 2. On the other hand, Lando Norris, who is behind Russell in F2, does have a drive in F1 next season at McLaren.

Most of the Mercedes-backed seats on the grid have been taken next season, with Sergio Pérez and Lance Stroll almost certainly manning the Force India-cars, and Sergey Sirotkin and Robert Kubica forming the Williams line-up.

“I feel like Formula 1 is currently lacking at least two teams,” Russell told Motorsport.com.

“We only have 20 cars on the grid, as a young driver trying to break into that 20 is extremely difficult.”

And if there were a spot at Williams, Russell would have to face the competition of Esteban Ocon, who currently also appears to be homeless for the 2019-season.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff thinks a third car for each team would solve this, and Russell agrees with this.

“I think the idea of a third car, or something along those lines, is a very good idea.

“You sometimes see the pay drivers getting into Formula 1, and potentially they could come in for their home race: an Asian driver comes in for the Asian races, the American drivers come in for the American races and so on.

“It gives the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull the chance to throw their young drivers in without any major issues.”

Russell currently leads Norris by 22 points, with only two rounds to go in the F2 championship.