F1 | Mercedes, Toto Wolff: “Sakhir is not a duel between Russell and Bottas for 2022”

A direct comparison, a test, a duel, a family derby for the coveted place in Mercedes (but in 2022). This is how many see and analyze the performances of George Russell and Valtteri Bottas in Sakhir meter by meter. The first, a twenty-two year old emerging talent who has the great opportunity to amaze after replacing the legend Hamilton; the second is the reliable squire, who however appeared slightly in difficulty in the last part of the season and who cannot and does not want - in the absence of Hamilton - to succumb to the first arrival.

Yet Toto Wolff asserted that this particular GP is anything but a duel between the two drivers for the Mercedes seat. Because the two have different stories and because Russell will do it, but calmly. Who knows if the shrewd Austrian manager told the truth or if he (wisely) lied. Because Russell has already impressed everyone in free practice and sooner or later the three-pointed star will have to promote a prospect in which he believes very much.

“Sakhir is not a duel between Valtteri and George, for nothing - said Wolff in the press conference on Friday -  I heard this rumor going around, but there is no duel, we are talking about one or two races at most. It's not an indicative time frame. If Russell does well it will certainly mean that he is a great driver who one day, in a competitive car, will fight for victories and championships, but it is something that will happen in the future, a future that is still far away. George just has to concentrate and do a good job, without making mistakes and continue as he started. There is no inside or outside; we have total faith in Bottas. I have always had a lot of faith in Valtteri's qualities."