© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
George Russell says he never doubted he will one day drive for Mercedes, and he reveals Toto Wolff told him to “focus on performing and leave the rest to me”.
George Russell will finally get his opportunity to drive for Mercedes in 2022. In an interview with the PA news agency the Briton said he never doubted that the opportunity will come.
“I was never under the impression I wouldn’t have the opportunity,” Russell said.
“Toto said to me ‘when have I ever let you down? Ever since you joined Mercedes you have always performed and I’ve never let you down. Focus on performing and leave the rest to me’.”
George reveals Wolff told him he is getting the seat ahead of this year’s Belgian Grand Prix.
“I was aware I was having a good season and he called me the weekend before Spa. I was relaxed, I was on holiday and I felt like I had done enough up until that point to justify getting the job.
“I didn’t need to go out there and stand on his doorstep to ask if it was going to happen. In fact my parents were hassling me more than I was hassling anyone else.
“But I told them to trust me, I believe it will happen, so don’t worry. I always knew this was the plan.”
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After Russell finishes up the 2021 season with Williams, his focus will shift to Mercedes at the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit.
“With regards to how swiftly it will be, Monday morning after the Abu Dhabi race it will be 120 per cent focus on all things Mercedes.
“I’ll be driving the test afterwards, back in the factory, I fly back from the test straight to the factory, do some simulator, meet some more people.
“I’m in a very fortunate position because I’ve obviously spent so much time with Mercedes as a team from 2016 all the way through until 2018.
“Whenever we see each other at the airports, or at the tracks, I know them as well as I know everybody at Williams really.
“I’m in a very fortunate position that I’m going into a group and a family that I know so well,” concluded the Briton.
