Russell's Mercedes move is 'clear' now according to Schumacher
Aug.10 - It is "clear" that George Russell is headed to Mercedes for 2022, according to former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher.
That is despite the fact that 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve thinks Toto Wolff and Lawrence Stroll might be working on a shock alternative plan.
According to Villeneuve, it could be Aston Martin owner Stroll's son Lance who becomes Lewis Hamilton's next teammate at Mercedes - with Valtteri Bottas heading to Aston Martin.
That could leave Russell stranded at Williams - but Schumacher doesn't see it that way.
"It's true that Stroll and Wolff are close friends," the German told Auto Bild.
"But how far would they go? I don't think Stroll has influence at Mercedes. I think that's where Russell will be."
As for Bottas, Ralf said: "Toto will try to move him to another place.
"I see Alfa Romeo and Williams first of all, but of course there is also the connection to Aston Martin."
The big giveaway for Schumacher is the fact that Russell drove Bottas' 2021 car in Hungary last week for the 18-inch Pirelli tyre test.
"That's no coincidence," Ralf said. "For me, that was a clear sign."
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Funny how we forget things , take Coulthard, old chisel jaw himself, never a No 1 driver , im sure wed all admit, but a solid No2 fair enough , Now Ron D who himself isnt adverse to controversy , kept DC as a driver for 8 seasons, id call that not bad going on DCs part.
Now Mr Massa, if ever there was a No2 its him bless him and he was kept on for 7 seasons as No2
Which brings us to f1 and Rors not so secret, hate/love child, hes only been a No 2 for , well this is his 5th season
See where I'm going with this.. based on history for No2 drivers, Blondie MIGHT be here for a while yet
IMO
Apologies dc 9 yrs at Mac and massa 8 yrs at ferrari being both 34yr and 33yr old when losing a top drive so VB only being 31yr coincidences? well maybe, or maybe not...
No disrespect to George R, he is a very capable driver but I hope Mercedes keep Valtteri. He is a team man and very fast driver. He has had a lot of bad luck in some seasons. Generally he is very close to Lewis and in previous years (perhaps more this year) provided a Mercedes 1 and 2.
I think Russell should go to Mercedes, this will consolidate the constructors title for them, and make the racing much more interesting