F1 News
Russell not the same as Rosberg: 'He knows the certain limits of Mercedes'
- GPblog.com
George Russell will make the switch to Mercedes in 2022, so there may be a power struggle lurking within Mercedes. However, Toto Wolff is certain that this will not happen.
Chance for Russell
Since the departure of Nico Rosberg, it has been pretty quiet within Mercedes. Where Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton were fighting each other, Valtteri Bottas proved to be an ideal second driver. However, the Germans want something different in 2022 and are giving their own talent a chance. However, there is a possibility that this could cause problems.
''George Russell is another intelligent young man. He will slot into the team but that doesn't mean he has to hold back when driving. You can't expect a lion in the car and a puppy out of it'', Wolff says at the Daily Mail. However, the Mercedes team boss is clear about the importance of the team.
Limits at Mercedes
''There are certain boundaries within the team that must be respected and George knows them very well. Once the lights are green, only the drivers are responsible. I can't interfere, manage or remote control them, but one thing is of ultimate importance — don't touch. That's your responsibility. You can race hard, but no contact.''
''I've been there before with Nico when it wasn't just a rivalry. There was a lot of animosity and that's not going to happen. This is about showing respect for each other and it can be hard because if you race on the same spot on the race track you will eventually come across each other — but there is an integrity we expect that no one is ever bigger than the team'', concludes the Austrian.