Formula 1

Russell To Take Hamilton’s Place In Sakhir GP

 

British driver, George Russell would fill in for Lewis Hamilton this weekend at the Sakhir GP while the champion driver takes time to recover after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Russell, who is currently a driver for Williams, was given the opportunity by Mercedes, where he was their reserve driver in 2018. Russell would only drive for Mercedes temporarily this weekend, but could also drive next weekend if Hamilton’s condition does not improve. Jack Aitken would make his F1 debut this weekend as he takes Russell’s place in Williams.

Hamilton tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday after winning the Bahrain GP the previous day. Before that, he had tested negative three times, including the Sunday he won at Bahrain. This weekend would be the first time Hamilton would miss a race since joining F1 13 years ago. Mercedes then had to reach out to Russell, who had trained under them, but first had to get the permission of his team. It is expected that Russell would join team Mercedes sometime in the future but that seems quite uncertain now. Instead, he would get the chance to race a Mercedes car as he steps in the shoe of the greatest driver alive.

Speaking on the opportunity, Russell expressed his gratitude at being given such a rare chance. He acknowledged the fact that no one could take Lewis’ place but he was going to put in his best this weekend on the tracks. According to him, he would use the opportunity to learn from “the best outfit on the grid right now” and hopes to return to Williams with some improvement. He also noted that even though he was going to adorn a different outfit this weekend, he was still a Williams driver and would be cheering for his team.

Russell and Mercedes have had quite a history and this race might give Mercedes the chance to assess the driver, who is yet to gain any F1 points. Mercedes approached Williams earlier this year to see if they could release Russell before his contract expires in 2022, but they declined. Now that Williams is under new ownership, their response, if approached again, might be different.

 

Written by: Leon Osamor

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Valencia pleads with La Liga for postponement of game against Real Madrid

Valencia have pleaded with the La Liga authorities to postpone its match with Real Madrid… Read More

October 31, 2024

Dubois gets permission to face new challenger

Daniel Dubois has been given the go-ahead from the International Boxing Federation (IBF) to fight… Read More

October 31, 2024

Manchester United faces a brick wall ahead of Amorim’s appointment

Manchester United has seen their attempt to appoint Rúben Amorim as Erik ten Hag's successor… Read More

October 31, 2024

Randal Kolo Muani set to leave PSG

Reports have emanated from France that Randal Kolo Muani could leave Paris Saint-Germain for as… Read More

October 31, 2024

Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl drums support for Nuri Sahin despite early season woes

Nuri Sahin has come under fire after Borussia Dortmund's start this term, but has received… Read More

October 31, 2024

Chet Holmgren Shines as Thunder Defeat Spurs, Besting Rival Victor Wembanyama

In an early showdown between two of the NBA’s most promising young big men, Chet… Read More

October 31, 2024