Williams: "We see it happening that Mercedes makes Russell an offer"

George Russell has been in the spotlight for weeks, as he could well get the seat at Mercedes. Yet Jost Capito reckons Russell is just as happy to stay at Williams for longer.

At the end of 2021, the contracts of Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and George Russell expire, and that means Mercedes can choose who gets the seats in 2022. Russell is obviously aiming for the Mercedes seat, but it is not certain that he will get it. At Williams they are considering a departure, but there is still nothing concrete.

''Of course, if he gets the chance at Mercedes it would be stupid not to take it. But if the opportunity doesn't present itself, I think he would be happy to stay at Williams. That's all we can hope for,'' says the new Williams team boss according to Motorsport.com. Capito is not worried if Russell leaves, because he already has a plan B ready. ‘’

''We are not at the mercy of anyone. When a contract expires, whenever, there is always a chance that a driver will stay or leave. That is completely normal. Of course we have a plan B, because we also see it happening that Mercedes makes him an offer. But at this moment we don't have to take any action as long as Mercedes hasn't decided what to do'', Capito concludes without actually mentioning plan B.