By: Charles Bradley, Global Editor in Chief Motorsport.com
As we hit the middle of summer, decision day is looming for Mercedes over its partner for Lewis Hamilton in 2022. So who’s it going to be: Valtteri Bottas or George Russell?
With new regulations next year, it’s one of those tricky balancing acts. Do you make a wholesale switch and take this opportunity to bring in a new driver, or do you decide that’s one change too many and you’d rather have some stability? Russell’s qualifying performances have been truly stunning of late and many believe he deserves his shot at Mercedes.
With Red Bull genuinely threatening its title stranglehold, does Mercedes want its superstar driver Lewis Hamilton in his comfort zone with a teammate he favours? Or will it be better to have the ‘next big thing’ biting at his ankles, to spur him on? Someone who’s then primed to then take the fight to Max Verstappen in the long term when Lewis eventually hangs up his helmet?
Unless, of course, the real long-term plan is to have Max replace Lewis… In which case you’d stick with that you’ve got, right? |
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