Williams drivers George Russell and Nicholas Latifi have both said they will remain at the team for the 2021 F1 season.
“I will be staying with Williams for 2021,” Russell confirmed during today’s FIA press conference at the Hungaroring.“I signed a three-year deal with Williams, I’ll be staying there for 2021 to build off last year and hopefully what this year turns out to be.”
Russell, a Mercedes junior driver, said he wasn’t disappointed at missing out on a chance to join the world champions next year.
“I’m not disappointed in Mercedes at all. There was nothing more they could do. Claire [Williams, deputy team principal] was very firm with her decision that she was not ready to let me go. Ultimately, as I have a contract with Williams, I have to respect that decision. I’ll be giving everything I’ve got for Williams for this year and into next year and let’s see what that holds after that.”
Russell’s team mate Latifi said he has “a multi-year deal with the team with the team, so I will be with the team in 2021.”
Williams announced in May it is seeking investment potentially through a sale to a new owner. However both drivers believe that will not affect their positions at the team.
“I have a contract so whether the ownership or anything changes going into next year that shouldn’t really be affected,” said Latifi. “So I’m just focusing on my job and we’ll see what happens.”
Williams subsequently confirmed on social media both drivers will continue to drive for the team next year.
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Kyle (@hammerheadgb)
16th July 2020, 13:48
Interesting comments from Russell… he makes it sound as if there was a concerted effort by Mercedes to secure his release.
ColdFly (@)
16th July 2020, 14:21
swap?
@hammerheadgb
bob (@riptide)
16th July 2020, 14:50
Yes. Bit of a surprise considering Bottas could leave Mercedes as a WDC. Or its the other one retiring!
DAllein (@)
16th July 2020, 14:57
Some click-bait title would have been better – “Vettel last chance to stay on the grid is gone” or something like that
Adam (@rocketpanda)
16th July 2020, 16:06
Russell’s wording does make it sound like Williams refusal to release him to Mercedes was more a factor in him staying than the contract. Rather curious. Kinda disappointed in them retaining Latifi, but oh well. Guess he is kind of paying for it.
Qeki (@qeki)
16th July 2020, 19:12
@keithcollantine Is there a typo in: Russell’s team mate Latifi said he has “a multi-year deal with the team with the team, so I will be with the team in 2021.”
Quite a lot with the team :)
Klon (@)
16th July 2020, 19:53
Tell us how you really feel, George.