Russell Reduces Speculation Of Early Move To Mercedes

JAKARTA - George Russell muted speculation about the British driver's planned early move to Mercedes following an impressive performance as a substitute for Lewis Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix, Bahrain, last week.

Russell, 22, had sparked conversation in Bahrain when he hoped to upset Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in the race for riders, "not just for 2022, maybe sooner."

"It's just chattering that doesn't mean anything," Russell said ahead of the season-ending series of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as quoted by Antara from Reuters on Thursday.

"Obviously the emotions are very high ... I have a contract and a Williams racer for 2021."

Valtteri Bottas will run out of contract at the end of this season, while Russell, who has a long-term contract with Mercedes, is deemed worthy of a seat at the Silver Arrow.

Russell is still waiting to see if Hamilton, who is undergoing isolation due to COVID-19 in Bahrain, can race in the Yas Marina.

"We are still waiting for Lewis' results. For now we are continuing our original plan. If Lewis comes back with a negative result, he will return to the car," said Russell.

Russell arrives at the Yas Marina wearing his Mercedes uniform and working with mechanics to prepare.

"Last Friday was about fixing the car, tuning the setup of my racing style," he said.

"My mechanics understand how I work, how I race and we can try to make this car meet what I need.

"Last week it only raced using Lewis's setup which would have been a very good foundation but I'm not Lewis and I have a slightly different need to get more out of myself and this team."

A number of minor modifications were made to Russell to make it more comfortable in the cockpit, including the steering wheel.

"The adrenaline rush of racing in this car and fighting for the championship lets you get through the pain," he said.

Russell revealed that his mother and sister shed tears after seeing him finish the race.

"We went through this together, this sport, and are very excited. The emotions are very high and this is my first chance not only to win but to score points. It's a huge difference."

"Finding it taken away from us not once but twice is hard to accept. But having had time to reflect from that weekend, I have done my best and am proud of the task we have accomplished."