Formula 1: 3 new drivers who could end up driving in 2019
By Asher Fair
George Russell (continued)
While it is unlikely that George Russell will drive for Mercedes next season, he could very well drive for Force India, one of the three teams that use Mercedes-powered cars, if one or both of their two drivers leave.
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Of those two drivers, Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon, Ocon is more likely to leave, and he could possibly be loaned out to Renault Sport assuming Carlos Sainz Jr., who is currently loaned out to the team by Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, is unable to continue driving for the team since Red Bull Racing are switching from Renault engines to Honda engines next year.
If Ocon, who is also a contracted Mercedes driver, does end up staying at Force India next year and Sainz Jr. ends up leaving Renault, Russell could possibly be loaned out to Renault. Also, Scuderia Toro Rosso tried to lure Lando Norris away from McLaren this season to replace Brendon Hartley. Could Mercedes loan Russell out to them? It’s certainly possible.
Next: Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of all-time
Will any of these three drivers end up driving full-time in Formula 1 next season? If so, which ones, and which teams will they drive for? Will any drivers who are not currently driving in Formula 1 and who were not discussed in this article end up driving full-time in the sport next year? If so, who will they be? There is certainly still a lot to be determined before next season begins.