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George Russell stated on Thursday that Williams have refused to permit him to go away subsequent season, ending hypothesis that he would possibly substitute Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes. Williams, who had been put up on the market earlier than the coronavirus-delayed season began two weeks in the past in Austria, additionally confirmed that Canadian rookie Nicholas Latifi would proceed subsequent season.
Russell has been linked with a change to Mercedes, the place he got here by means of the junior programme and stays a part of their younger driver secure, for a number of months. The affirmation by Williams means that the champions have determined to re-sign Bottas to run alongside six-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
“I’ll be staying with Williams for 2021 – you heard it here first,” Russell informed an official video information convention on the Hungaroring circuit, forward of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
“I have no hard feelings or anything towards Mercedes, there’s nothing more they can do,” the 22-year-old Briton added to Sky Sports F1. “Ultimately, I had a contract with Williams.”
Russell is within the center 12 months of a three-year contract with Williams. He didn’t decide up some extent final season and has but to gather one this season.
“Claire (Williams, deputy team chief) was very firm that she’s not ready to let me go and I have to respect her decision.
“I’m nonetheless younger, I’m nonetheless a Mercedes driver and I’ll be going on the market to construct off final 12 months, to construct off the primary few races and proceed to try to present what I can do.”
Latifi’s confirmation follows his elevation from reserve driver last season and two outings in Austria so far this year. Like Russell, he also does not have a point this season.
Bottas is the early season championship leader after winning the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix and then finishing second behind Hamilton in last Sunday’s Styrian Grand Prix, both races having taken place at the Red Bull Ring circuit.
Bottas leads Hamilton by six points.
Russell said he believes the Hungaroring will suit Williams better than the Austrian track.
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“I believe the circuit traits will swimsuit our automobile higher than Austria did,” he said. “We have a bit of labor to do off the again of the race in Austria, as our race tempo wasn’t as sturdy as our qualifying tempo, so we have to perceive why.
“Nevertheless, Hungary is a great track, it’s one of my favourites and it will be fun to drive around that circuit again.”
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