Russell’s F1 focus will be ‘120%’ on Mercedes after Abu Dhabi

Russell will graduate to Mercedes to replace Valtteri Bottas and become teammates with Lewis Hamilton for the 2022 F1 season after spending three years effectively on loan to Williams. 

After the Mexico City Grand Prix Russell said it would be “unprofessional” to start thinking about his impending switch to the Mercedes works team early and insisted his full focus remains on the job at hand at Williams. 

Russell confirmed his work at Mercedes will start as soon as this season has concluded and revealed he will be driving for the reigning world champions in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. 

“With regards to how swiftly it will be, Monday morning after the Abu Dhabi race it will be 120% focus on all things Mercedes,” Russell said. 

“I’ll be driving the test afterwards, and then back in the factory. I fly back from the test straight to the factory, do some simulator [work], and meet some more people.” 

It is understood that Mercedes is prepared to release Bottas early so that he can take part in the Abu Dhabi test for his new team Alfa Romeo. 

Russell said his previous experience at Mercedes ahead of his F1 debut with Williams in 2019 will help speed up his integration process ahead of next season. 

“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,” he explained. 

“And still 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.”