F1 constructor Williams has refused to rule out a potential Russell-Bottas swap with Mercedes.
Valtteri Bottas and George Russell are two drivers whose futures are up in the air. Multiple reports have also suggested that Bottas’ time at Mercedes is up and Russell would take his place. Meanwhile, Bottas is a former Williams driver himself, and that has only furthered the speculations.
Williams Team Principal Jost Capito has said everything about the two driver is “all open”, and every option will be considered. However, he thinks the swap may happen at the end of the season rather than mid-season.
“At the moment I wouldn’t rule anything out,” Capito said.
“It’s all open. We assume that George will be with us until the end of the season, and he would like that too. Everything else is speculation.
“We have a contract with him, which is valid. But you know that anything can be arranged if it is necessary. I have a good relationship with Toto. He can call me at any time,” he concluded.
Decisions to make
With Russell’s ‘loan period’ at Williams nearing its end and Bottas having a terrible season, the feeling that Bottas’ days at Mercedes may be nearing its end is justified. German publication RTL seem to concur, claiming they have a timeline of events detailing interactions between Bottas and Mercedes.
The report states: ‘According to RTL information, official talks between Bottas and Wolff are to take place during the French race this weekend, with the final decision to be made after the second race in Austria (4 July) to give Bottas enough time to look for a new cockpit.’
With the saga reaching its tipping point, we will have some clarity sooner than later. Could a swap between the two teams happen? Or will we see both drivers stay put?
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