Formula 1: Russell stands in for Hamilton, Schumacher signs with Haas
This ought to be interesting. George Russell, who only made his F1 debut with Williams last year, will drive Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes W11 at this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain. Hamilton is currently in isolation having tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday.
Russell has been a Mercedes junior since 2017. He was the team’s reserve driver in 2018, but was allowed to sign a three-year deal to race for Williams from the 2019 season onwards. Mercedes allegedly considered signing Russell for the 2020 season, but stuck with Valtteri Bottas after Williams refused to release the 22-year-old Brit from his contract.
Russell has tested for Mercedes six times since 2017, most recently in last year’s end-of-season test in Abu Dhabi. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “It will not be a straightforward task for George to make the transition from the Williams to the W11, but he is race-ready and has a detailed understanding of the 2020 tyres and how they perform on this generation of cars.
“George has shown impressive form this year with Williams, playing an instrumental role in their climb up the grid, and I am optimistic that he will deliver a strong performance alongside Valtteri, who will be a demanding reference for him.”
Russell’s best finish in his F1 career to-date is 11th – mighty impressive in a generally uncompetitive car. And he’s excellent on a Saturday, having beaten his teammate in qualifying for the last 36 grands prix on the trot.
Russell said: “I see this as a great chance to learn from the best outfit on the grid right now and to come back as an improved driver, with even more energy and experience to help push Williams further up the grid. A big thank you also to Mercedes for putting their faith in me.
“Obviously, nobody can replace Lewis, but I’ll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car. Most importantly, I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Replacing Russell at Williams is Formula 2 driver Jack Aitken. The 25-year-old Brit, Williams’ reserve driver, is making his F1 debut this weekend. He drove the FW43 in FP1 at this year’s Styrian Grand Prix.
Best of luck to both drivers. We can’t wait to see how this plays out.
Russel's Mercedes gig aside, news also broke that Mick Schumacher will race for Haas in the 2021 F1 season, as part of an all-new driver line-up for the American team. The 21-year old German, son of seven-time world champion Michael, will partner Russian Nikita Mazepin.
The third Schumacher to race in F1, Mick is currently competing in Formula 2. Three wins and eight podiums (so far) mean he’s leading the championship by 14 points from Callum Ilott (and 43 from Mazepin. Awks) with just one round to go.
Mick will drive the Haas for the first time in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, then again in the customary end-of-season test.
Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner said he “firmly believe[s] [Schumacher’s] earned the opportunity to graduate into Formula 1 based on his performances”.
Schumacher said: “The prospect of being on the Formula 1 grid next year makes me incredibly happy and I’m simply speechless.
“I would like to thank Haas F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari and the Ferrari Driver Academy for placing their trust in me. I also want to acknowledge and extend my love to my parents – I know that I owe them everything. I have always believed that I would realise my dream of Formula 1.”
