Could George Russell be on the move to Mercedes as Hamilton contract talks stall

Mercedes may look towards the talented youngster as talks with current seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton stalls over terms with only nine weeks before the season opener.

Photo via PlanetF1

In a chaotic pre-season, nine teams have secured their drivers for 2021 with eight drivers moving to a new team on the grid. Only Mercedes are yet to secure their lineup with current champion Lewis Hamilton's demands exceeding the teams expectations.

Hamilton was expected to have his Mercedes seat secured prior to the end of the season. However, team boss Toto Wolff delayed talks till the end of the 2020 campaign. Now nine weeks to the season opener in Bahrain, Hamilton is still without a seat following a disagreement over his contract.

There is now growing speculation that Mercedes are looking at alternatives to partner Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas, with former junior driver George Russell tipped for the move from Williams to the constructors champions.

Russell, who made his debut for Mercedes at the Sakhir grand prix, in place of Covid-stricken Hamilton, showed his talent after leading the race until a puncture and pit stop failure saw him drop down the field.

His dominate display against Bottas sparked questions over the future driver situation at Mercedes, with Russell expected to replace Valtteri and partner Lewis.

However, with the ongoing situation with Hamilton's contract, Russell may partner Valtteri for 2021 despite his current contract with Williams.

Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone believes that Hamilton will resign with Mercedes for 2021.

In an interview with Swiss newspaper Blink, Ecclestone stated: "it’s all just show, so that Lewis in particular stays in the headlines."

However, a close source in the F1 paddock told Formula1News that there is a "real chance" Russell could replace Hamilton.

Lewis responded to the ongoing speculation and shed light on his contract talks:

"Lots of work ongoing in the background. Many moving parts but just checking in to let you know I’m doing good, I’m healthy and mentally strong right now.

"I hope you are staying as positive as you can with all that is still going on. Keep your head up. I can’t wait to see you all again at some stage soon."

With the 2021 season opener nearing, Mercedes will have to make a decision over Hamilton's future with the team.