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Autosport understands that George Russell has become the frontrunner to replace Lewis Hamilton for the Sakhir Formula 1 Grand Prix, with a final decision due Wednesday morning.
Hamilton having been forced out of Bahrain’s second race this weekend due to a positive coronavirus test, Mercedes considered their options as to who would be best able to step in.
It is understood that the choice from the start was to give the opportunity to book driver Stoffel Vandoorne, who flies to Bahrain tonight after this week’s Formula E test in Valencia, or to strike a deal to take Russell by Williams.
Vandoorne and Russell are the only two drivers available who have been fitted with seats with the team and have worked with the outfit before, factors which are said to rule out other options like Nico Hulkenberg.
Russell is part of the Mercedes Young Driver Program and his three-year contract with Williams has always been seen as a way to prepare him for a future with the German automaker’s factory team.
Any decision to take Russell would not be automatic, however, with the young Briton under a firm contract in his current Grove-based structure.
However, with Mercedes having a good relationship with the Williams team, it is possible that a separate deal could be made to loan him out. Sources suggest that discussions about a potential deal are ongoing.
Beyond any financial incentive to loan Russell, another draw for Williams would also be that the youngster, who signed up for the squad for 2021, would return after his loan spell as a top driver with a solid experience of a front-running car and potentially strong results under it.
Russell also brings with him his current racing experience and a good understanding of this year’s Pirelli tires.
Because while Vandoorne has done a lot of testing on the Mercedes simulator, and will probably have done some preparation work for this weekend’s race on the outer loop, he hasn’t raced in F1 since the end of the F1 season. 2018.
Russell is believed to be Mercedes’ preferred option because of the long-term development benefits it will bring.
But it is understood that no final decision has been made, as discussions continue between Mercedes and Williams over the scope of any deal.
It is believed, however, that Mercedes wants a decision to be made by Wednesday morning, so that it can properly prepare for the coming weekend.
If a deal is made for Russell to move to Mercedes for one or two grand prix or two, Williams is likely to promote his reserve driver Jack Aitken for his F1 debut.
Aitken is set to make the final of the F2 season this weekend and took part in a free practice session on Friday for Williams at this year’s Styrian Grand Prix.
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