George Russell says reigning Formula E world champion Nyck de Vries deserves to join the grid in Formula 1, labeling the Dutchman a "fantastic driver".
Driving for the works Mercedes team, De Vries conquered the title in Formula E in Berlin last month, an achievement hailed by Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff who also stated that the 26-year-old charger's talent was worthy of a seat in F1.
De Vries is seen as a potential candidate to replace Russell at Williams – a team powered by Mercedes' engines - if the Briton is confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's teammate at the Mercedes team for 2022.
But the FE world champion has reportedly also emerged as a frontrunner for a drive with Alfa Romeo Racing, with the Swiss outfit set to refresh a line-up that is expected to include Valtteri Bottas.
©Mercedes
Regardless of the opportunities that may come his way, de Vries will get the backing of Russell who believes his former F2 rival is a "fantastic driver".
"He’s a Formula 2 champion, he’s a Formula E champion, he’s definitely got the speed, the charisma, and the right attitude to be an F1 driver," Russell said, quoted by Motorsport.com.
"Unfortunately, Formula 1 only has 20 drivers. For a great driver to come in, a great driver has to leave. So, it’s not quite as simple as that.
"But he deserves to be here, but let’s see if he gets the opportunity or if the opportunity arises itself. Unfortunately, there’s not enough space for everybody."
Russell's Williams teammate Nicholas Latifi, who is expected to remain with the Grove-based outfit next season and who also battled de Vries in the ranks of F2, echoed the Briton's praise and would welcome the Dutchman as his colleague at Williams.
"I definitely think after the year we raced against each other in Formula 2, I don't know if I did say it, but I think I said he definitely deserved a shot in Formula 1," Latifi said. "He had a really strong year this year in Formula E as well.
"If he was to take the second seat in Williams, and provided I’m still there as well, I think he will be a great teammate and very capable in Formula 1."
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