Mercedes future decision to be made by August - Russell

George Russell is expecting to know in just over four months' time whether he will be a Mercedes driver for next season.

Russell, who is managed by Mercedes, is part of the conundrum facing team principal Toto Wolff this year as the Williams driver is out of contract at the end of the season alongside works duo Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

Although the Mercedes junior insists he is applying no pressure on Wolff to provide him with an answer as to where he will be driving in 2022, he is confident the matter will be resolved when F1 starts its mid-season break in early August.

“My relationship with Mercedes and Toto Wolff is stronger than it has ever been," said Russell, in an interview with PA.

“They know the situation. They know I want to be fighting for victories and championships. They saw what I could do in Bahrain [in last year's Sakhir Grand Prix when he replaced the Covid-hit Hamilton].

“I need to focus on myself and I don’t need to be badgering them.

“In the past, I have always tried to make things happen, but it is different now. I have been with Mercedes for six years, they are my second family, and if it happens it will happen naturally.

“It will not be any longer than the summer break for all parties involved – Mercedes, Williams and for all the drivers – so it is fair on everybody.

“And unless anything catastrophic happens in the coming six months, Mercedes know the position I am in and the position they are in."

Despite the difficulties Russell has endured in fighting at the back of the grid over the past two years, he insists he is "getting stronger year on year" and that he has put in the hard work required ahead of a possible promotion

"I believe I am at a level and ready to be fighting for wins and world championships," added Russell.

“But we will have to see. Formula 1 is a funny business and I don’t take anything for granted. ”

Remarkably, since deputising for Hamilton in what was the penultimate race of last year, Russell has revealed he and the seven-time champion have not exchanged a word.

Asked whether he has spoken to him, Russell replied: “No, not at all. We haven’t spoken. My relationship with Lewis is fine. There are no issues.

“I don’t know what I was expecting, and if I was expecting him to say anything after the race. But equally, I don’t know how I would feel if someone took my seat at Williams.”

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