F1 | Ralf Schumacher: “Mercedes must sign Russell”

Ralf Schumacher said he was certain that Mercedes will promote George Russell alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2022, and underlined how any other choice (in fact the confirmation of Valtteri Bottas in the name of stability) would be incomprehensible in his view. For the former German driver, the Brackley team must start working on the post-Hamilton team and it would make no sense to keep out a young driver with crystal-clear talent like Russell.

“I firmly believe that Russell will be at Mercedes next year, any other choice for Brackley would be truly incomprehensible. Lewis is already 36 years old and in two or three years he will probably stop - Ralf Schumacher told German broadcaster Sport1 - Mercedes must prepare for the aftermath of Hamilton and now Verstappen is no longer on their radar. Russell would definitely put pressure on Lewis, what George did to Sakhir last year was incredible; he didn't fit into the car due to his height and yet he would have deservedly won the GP if the team hadn't made the mistake at the pit stop. Russell did something special, Lewis also noticed it, which is why he wanted to return to Abu Dhabi immediately."