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Britain’s regular Williams driver relegated Max Verstappen to Red Bull’s second place twice.
The talent of George Russell, the 2018 Formula 2 champion, is indisputable. On Friday, the 22-year-old used his first practice for the Sakhir Grand Prix as a substitute for crown-positive world champion Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes with two best times. Williams’ regular British racer, who has yet to score a World Championship point in 36 races, relegated Max Verstappen to Red Bull’s second place.
Colleagues know Russell’s great potential. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), the predecessor of the Briton as an absolute winner of Formula 2, had already said on Thursday that he would even bet on his victory. At least a podium spot is possible for the one-year-younger colleague, he said Monegasse and Lando Norris also agreed, given the combination with the world champion car.
Jumped spontaneously
For Russell, who has been a part of Mercedes’ youth development program since 2017, things went very fast this week. On Tuesday night came the call from Mercedes sporting director Toto Wolff, during the day an agreement was reached with Williams and on Friday the Englishman raised hopes for at least the first points of his F1 for Sunday’s race (18.10 hours / ORF 1 live and Sky). -Race.
Finn Valtteri Bottas stayed fourth and eleventh behind the substitute in practice. In the second session his best time was not recognized because he had overcome the barrier of the track.
On the new short route, the outer field in Sakhir, short distances and heavy traffic are expected in view of lap times of just over 54 seconds in qualifying on Saturday (4pm CET / ORF 1 live and Sky).
(WHAT / SDA)
