Russell is leading contender to replace Hamilton for Sakhir GP

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Williams' George Russell has emerged as the leading contender to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for next weekend's Sakhir GP according to multiple reports out of Bahrain.

Talks are apparently ongoing in Bahrain between Mercedes and Williams management to reach an agreement for the Grove-based outfit to release its driver for a one-off with the championship winning outfit following Hamilton's unavailability after testing positive for COVID-19.

Should the negotiations reach a successful outcome, Williams reserve Jack Aitken, who has yet to race in F1 but who holds a super licence, is Russell's most likely replacement.

Read also: Hamilton tests positive for COVID-19, will miss Sakhir GP!

If the talks are not successful, Mercedes is likely to rely on Stoffel Vandoorne to fill Hamilton's seat, as the Belgian is the Brackley team's official reserve and is race-ready having wrapped up his campaign in Formula E with the German manufacturer.

While racing for Williams, Russell remains contracted to Mercedes who backed the young Briton and 2018 Formula 2 champion during his formative years.

Williams is likely to demand a financial compensation from Mercedes for releasing its driver, but the prospect of lending Russell to the Black Arrows squad could entail some interesting marketing benefits for the team if the 22-year-old wins next weekend - hardly a far-fetched hypothesis - and then returns to Grove a Grand Prix victor.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.