George Russell says he has categorically ruled out Red Bull as an option next season with his “loyalty” to Mercedes, as speculation continues to follow the Briton regarding his future in Formula One in 2022.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked to Mercedes next season, with some suggesting he will replace Valtteri Bottas next season at the seven-time champions.
Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton has already secured his future at Mercedes for a further two years at the end of the year, however, his team-mate Bottas has been seemingly left in limbo about his future with the team.
Rumours started swirling towards the end of 2020, as Russell stepped in for Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix, impressing on debut for the world champions, scoring his first points in Formula One.
The young Mercedes driver had been on course to win the Grand Prix outright, after sweeping past his team-mate Bottas at the start of the race, however, after a pitstop blunder and a puncture, the King’s Lynn driver had to settle for P9.
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However, since his performance, the Briton, who is a free agent come the end of the year, has caught the attention of many teams in the paddock, including Red Bull, who have recently expressed their interest in the 23-year-old.
Yet, as flattering as the young driver found it, Russell confirmed to Express Sport that he had no interest in being a Red Bull driver any time soon.
“It’s always nice to hear nice things from respected people in the paddock, no doubt,” Russell said, exclusively speaking to Express Sport.
“But obviously, I’m a Mercedes driver and I’m loyal to everybody there.
“So, you know, they’ve stood by me, I’ve stood by them.
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“So obviously nice to hear people saying that, but it changes nothing.
“And I won’t be driving for Red Bull next year.
“That I can exclusively tell you.”
Russell has helped turn around Williams, and ahead of the British Grand Prix, praised his team for their hard work this season, and their ambition moving forward while embracing the part he’s had to play.
He continued to Express Sport: “Especially that we are really making strides now.
“And, you know, it was such a tough time for the team previously and all the financial difficulties.
But we’ve passed that corner and we’re really making progress.
“And to be part of that, regardless of what happens in the future, they’ve always been part of this process.
“And I’ve no doubt that Williams, over the course of the next three to five to 10 years, will make their way back to the front.”