George Russell has revealed that he has received phone calls and text messages from drivers vying for the opportunity to partner him at Mercedes from 2025.
The Brackley squad is seeking to fill the coveted seat that will be vacated by Lewis Hamilton at the end of the season following his decision to move to Ferrari.
With several drivers seemingly in the running, the coming months are likely to be filled with speculation, negotiations, and potentially even rivalries brewing.
All of this will add another layer of excitement to the upcoming season, as not only the championship battle heats up, but also the fight for the prestigious Mercedes seat unfolds behind the scenes.
And Russell’s comments add to the narrative about a flurry of behind-the-scenes maneuverings as ambitious racers aim to secure a potentially championship-winning drive.
"We've already had conversations and I've been with Toto a lot this winter, so seeing the drivers' names pop up on the telephone has been quite funny,” he said.
"Even on my phone as well, I've had a few phone calls and text messages so it's been quite interesting.
“As a team, we've got a good opportunity and we're in a really good position to go into this next chapter. There's been so much success with Lewis and Mercedes.
Losing Hamilton undoubtedly represents a significant loss for Mercedes, both in terms of on-track prowess and his galvanizing presence within the team.
However, it's not just his future absence that raises concerns. Key personnel departures in the wake of their recent struggles have also contributed to a sense of flux within the organization.
But Russell believes that a professional mindset at the team will prevail.
-"So far it [team dynamic] hasn't changed at all. I think everybody is professional, we've all got our job at hand," said Russell.
"The engineers are just motivated to try to deliver the fastest car possible and Lewis is still motivated to do the best job possible. So within the team, it seems like nothing has changed."
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