Future 'free agent' Russell will seek multi-year deal

George Russell says he'll be seeking a multi-year deal from 2022, regardless of the team for which he will drive.

Russell is in the final year of his contract with Williams and will therefore be free to move on for 2022, with Mercedes a strong possibility for the 23-year-old.

But wherever he ends up, the Briton is aiming to emulate his fellow young chargers Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, and secure an agreement with his future team that will seal his future for multiple seasons.

"Definitely thinking the position I am currently being a free agent, as such going into next year is a good position to be in," Russell said in Monaco on Wednesday.

"But, I think stability and longevity is important. I think it's so clear, with people moving around recently, how difficult it is to jump in and adapt to a new team.

"So, wherever I find myself next year, let's say I'd like it to be for at least a couple of years, because I think that's so important to have that consistency to be able to grow and progress."

• Read also: McLaren seals multi-year agreement with Norris!

Commenting on the news of the day – the extension of Norris' contract with McLaren for 2022 and beyond – Russell said his long-time rival fully deserved his team's long-term commitment.

"Really happy for Lando. He deserves it," Russell said. "He's been doing a fantastic job recently. And McLaren as a package with Lando, are doing extraordinary.

"So yeah, it's going to be interesting next year, I think they could be a real threat to the top teams and for the championship."

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