Formula 1: Williams confirm George Russell through 2021

Williams have confirmed that George Russell is on a three-year contract and is set to drive for the team through the 2021 Formula 1 season.

When ROKiT Williams Racing signed George Russell for the 2019 Formula 1 season last October, the deal was reported as a “multi-year deal”.

Now Williams deputy team boss Claire Williams has confirmed that the 21-year-old Briton is set to drive for the team through the 2021 season, although she didn’t do it in the traditional fashion.

Russell is a Mercedes junior driver who has been rumored as a potential replacement candidate for Valtteri Bottas at the Silver Arrows, perhaps as early as next year. Williams, however, told Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team principal and CEO Toto Wolff that Russell is not going anywhere.

Here is what Williams had to say about the matter, according to Planet F1.

"“I told Toto that George is on a three-year contract with us, he is firmly in our plans for the future and is going nowhere.”"

Wolff, however, has stated that the goal is still that Russell will end up driving for Mercedes. Here is what he had to say about the matter, according to Planet F1.

"“We’re very happy with the development of Esteban [Ocon] and equally George. They are our most senior junior drivers and the aim is to make them ready for a seat in a Mercedes.”"

Russell believes that he is ready to be called up to Mercedes, but he is committed to Williams as it stands right now. Here is what he had to add, according to Planet F1.

"“If Toto [Wolff] called me tomorrow and asked if I was ready to drive for Mercedes my answer would be absolutely. I am not going to rely on Valtteri having bad races. I am going to go out there and make it happen for myself. If that is not good enough then I will hold my hands up and say I didn’t do the job. I am on top of my game. Right now, I am 100 per cent dedicated to Williams, but if Mercedes called me up, I will be ready.”"