Russell to split testing duties between Williams and Mercedes

Mercedes will use George Russell in next week's post-season two-day test at Yas Marina, but the Briton will also take part in Pirelli's 2021 18-inch wheels test scheduled a week later in Abu Dhabi.

Russell will drive for Williams on Tuesday morning before handing over his car to Roy Nissany for the afternoon session.

On Wednesday, the Briton will take over from Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes and spend the entire day with the Silver Arrows squad, replacing Lewis Hamilton who is committed to a sponsor event next week.

• Israeli racer Roy Nissany to test with Williams at Yas Marina

Russell's busy after-season will extend into the following week when he drives Mercedes' mule car at Yas Marina during Pirelli's two-day test devoted to the manufacturer's 18-inch wheels development programme.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made clear that Russell wouldn't be under any particular scrutiny during his end-of-season sessions with Mercedes.

"I've said to George, who was not 100 percent these last days, this test is not benchmarking him because we are absolutely certain that he has the qualities of a potential future Mercedes driver," Wolff said, quoted by Autosport.

"He has the raw speed, he has the talent, he has the intelligence. It is more about the experience. So there's nothing to prove during these upcoming tests."

Russell's health was a cause for concern earlier this week, but the 21-year-old is fit and well to drive although he wouldn't elaborate on what had caused his bout of illness.

"My health concerns were in my mind not only for this weekend but for next week, when I will be driving their car," said Russelln who last tested for Mercedes at Bahrain earlier this year.

"But they're not going to judge me based off one test.

"I'm there to do a job, I'm there to give them data, I'm there to learn as much as I can and bring back the experience I have in that car for the guys back here, and when I did it in Bahrain it was hugely beneficial and hopefully it will be the same again."

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