This week the main discussion in Formula One is will Mercedes keep Bottas or opt for George Russell. Toto Wolff the head of Mercedes Formula One when asked when the announcement will happen says soon so saying that it has to be within the next month or so depending where the team is in the Constructors Championship. That is their focus right now and I really think the decision has been made.
The longer the team leaves this decision the more likely I believe they will sign Russell and drop Bottas. The reason is when you are fighting for the championship like they are having a settled team is what counts. Informing a driver that he has lost his seat and is unwanted is not exactly playing happy families.
Hamilton has already agreed to a contract extension so it is the remaining seat that is up for grabs. Reading between the lines I believe the decision has already been made and why I fear for Bottas.
Toto mentioned that they had asked for Hamilton's input on who his team mate should be and there were two answers. One answer was for Hamilton the driver and that was keeping Bottas as he has been a good wingman for him over the years. Having a second driver that doesn't threaten you but consistently performs is ideal for Hamilton as it has guaranteed him the World title each year.
The second scenario or answer was taking your driving cap off and now thinking for the team who would you choose and there is no answer. This tells me that the right candidate is Russell in their thinking right now as he is the next generation. Russell unfortunately is the future of the team thinking 5 years down the line.
Unfortunately I just don't like him as he has the personality of a wet blanket and prefer having Bottas on board. Bottas has done nothing wrong as he has been steady Eddie and that could be his problem. He has never lit the Formula One scene up even though he had the best car.
Looking around at the other youngsters you Have Verstappen and Le Clerc along with Norris who are the next super stars of the sport. Is Russell good enough to compete with them and I suppose we are going to find out next season as he is obviously the driver who Mercedes are leaning towards.
12 races to go and Bottas needs to wake up if he wants to change their minds as it really looks as though he is on the out. A win her and there may make the decision tougher, but I believe deep down he knows his time is up.
2022 has new rules and regulations in place so if things are going to change this is the time to make them happen. I see Hamilton staying on for one or two more seasons helping Russell settle in and then it will be over to everyone else to rebuild again.
A team like Red Bull made it very clear by resigning Sergio Perez last week for next year that they are taking this year seriously. As I mentioned earlier a settled team has an advantage and knowing your future is secure you should relax and perform better knowing the pressure is off. The longer Mercedes take to make the announcement the more likely Russell has already signed. I believe he may know already as Toto Wolff is his agent and that is what agents do.
