“We created a really good relationship and I think he would fit very well to Williams for our future” – Jost Capito
Williams’ Team Principal Jost Capito has admitted the team will be looking to hold onto George Russell beyond the 2021 season.
Early chat in the driver market kicked off this week with Lando Norris signing a new multi-year deal with the McLaren team, and so interest has now shifted to other drivers whose contracts come to a close at the end of the year.
23-year-old George Russell has been driving for the Williams team since 2019 on loan from Mercedes, but Capito will be putting up a fight for the young British driver to remain with the team after his contract expires with both Williams and Mercedes at the end of the season.
Speaking after Thursday’s Free Practice in Monaco, the Williams Team Principal said although he doesn’t think Mercedes will let him go, he believes they have plenty of time to discuss prolonging his stay with the Wantage-based team.
“I think George is a Mercedes driver for many years and I don’t think they will let him go”, he said.
“But we will see. We’ve got time to talk about drivers.
“We are not in the need now to discuss that.”
He went on to say that “he is doing a great job. He is a fantastic driver.
“We created a really good relationship and I think he would fit very well to Williams for our future as well and if he believes in our future there might be a chance to keep him.”
