Russell thrives off Mercedes rumours: 'Turn into positivity'

In recent weeks there has been a lot of attention for Williams driver George Russell, who is linked to the Mercedes seat of Valtteri Bottas. Russell has managed to qualify in Q3 in the last two races and is impressing.

Since the Sakhir Grand Prix where Russell replaced Lewis Hamilton, the rumours are getting stronger and stronger. The driver almost beat Bottas during the race. Due to a blunder in the pitlane, Russell had to make do with ninth place. Russell now responds to the Mercedes rumours.

"I guess I thrive off it, to be honest, and you just got to turn into positivity, really," Russell said in an interview with Express.

"Ultimately, all of the talks are generally positive that are being spoken about in the media, so that makes things slightly easier. But I just think to myself, just go out there and if I perform on track, there's nothing to worry about."

Russell focuses on his performance

"So I just put all of my efforts and focus into doing a great job on the track and the rest will sort itself out, and it sounds a bit silly, but that's the name of the game. It's all about lap time, It's all about the performance and the rest is almost secondary", Russell said.

Two weeks ago, during the Austrian Grand Prix, Mercedes announced that Hamilton will drive for another two years with the team. Toto Wolff indicated that talks about the second seat will begin during the summer break.