Russell still in the dark for Abu Dhabi but not for 2021

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George Russell doesn't yet know whether he'll be racing with Mercedes once again this weekend but the Briton is sure he'll be driving for Williams in 2021.

After his standout driver last weekend at Sakhir where a rare Mercedes pit stop blunder squandered his chances of clinching a sensational maiden win in F1, Russell is waiting on whether Lewis Hamilton will get a clean bill of health and return to Mercedes for F1's season finale.

"We’re still waiting to get Lewis’s results back," said Russell who appeared in Mercedes kit at Thursday's media conference.

"For now we are going ahead as planned and if Lewis returns with a negative result he will be back in the car."

Read also - Mercedes: Still 'questions marks' over who will drive in Abu Dhabi

While in the dark for this weekend, the 22-year-old confirmed that he will be racing with Williams in 2021, barring any unforeseen circumstances. But ultimately, he remains under Mercedes' wing.

"Ultimately I have a contract and I’m a Williams driver for 2021," he said.

"My management is Mercedes. I signed a deal with Mercedes back in 2016 and they are my managers.

"They invested in me, they put faith in me and that means a huge amount. I am committed to Mercedes so I’m happy and confident with my position under their guidance."

Update: Mercedes announced on Thursday evening that Lewis Hamilton will race for the team in Abu Dhabi.

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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.