"Toto did this on purpose of course"

Although George Russell did not win the Sakhir Grand Prix, he left a huge impression. It was an achievement that may have major consequences for the future. Robert Doornbos sums up the possible consequences on Crashing in the Kitchen on Ziggo Sport.

"I think Bottas has now framed that contract for 2021. He now looks at it every time and thinks 'what a lucky guy I am that I've already got it'" said Doornbos, who assumes that Mercedes would like to get the young Brit in the car as soon as possible. However, it could also have consequences for Hamilton.

Mercedes wants to cut costs

"Hamilton and Toto Wolff go into a difficult negotiation. Toto did this on purpose, of course. Otherwise he would have taken the test driver. This is political. Hamilton asks for 50 million, Daimler's new CEO says he wants to cut costs in Formula 1. So that is already difficult."

Wolff has already said in the media that according to him this does not affect the contract negotiations, but Mercedes cannot deny the financial reality either. "Russell shows that he can also drive fast. I do not yet know if he can win seven titles, but he is doing it for 50 million less".