According to a source from the Mercedes camp, Lewis Hamilton could have a new teammate before the end of the season. This comes after reports that the outfit is losing faith in Valtteri Bottas.
This change could lead to George Russell getting an early seat with Mercedes as he is currently the favourite for a spot with the Silver Arrows.
Bottas is currently in his fifth season with Mercedes and has won 9 races as compared to Hamilton’s 44.
Additionally, he has finished third, fifth, second and second in the drivers’ championship, driving one of the most dominant cars on the grid.
Bottas had a disappointing race in Portugal, finishing third despite starting from pole.
According to an engineer at Mercedes, the outfit is not happy with the Finn.
“There is some unrest at the factory about Valtteri.” he said. “He is not up to it, which was made clearer by the job we saw Russell do in Bahrain.”
Russell is currently driving for Williams but is a part of Mercedes’ young driver program. He even substituted Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix last December after the world champion was down with Covid-19.
The final decision ultimately rests with team principal Toto Wolff who has been supportive of Bottas publicly.
Do you think Bottas will be replaced? Let us know in the comments below!
Read More: “I maybe need to shut up next time”: Wolff takes the blame for ineffective radio chat with Bottas
Yes he could change the championship race for the title…!
Hope so, we need a shake up like that in F1.
I think it will happen in time for Silverstone and they will switch teams and Mercedes will compsated Willams
Mercedes should do it and do it fast. Valtteri has lost it seems he is only there for the ride (Money). Give a up and coming driver a chance not keep these has beens. His time is up.