[3798j]

Quite the opportunity for Russell. I really hope he can make the best of it...should be fun to follow.

[rcracin]

Super excited for the race this weekend now. I wanna see Russell win!!

[dbarton62]

First thing that came to mind after Rus was announced was....Bot better show up this weekend.
Time is now to show if he has it.

[Techno 9000]

After initially feeling sorry that the chance for a Century of pole positions for Hamilton before the end of the season has now gone, I too am really excited to see what Russell can do in the Mercedes.

[Techno 9000]

Surely Bottas has to qualify ahead of Russell to retain credibility.

[irunalot]

I'm a huge HAM fan but since hes out I hope its Russell.. I'd like to see what he can do in a competitive car.

[Ngilbe36]

GO RUS GO!

If he doesnt bin it, I think he will give the Fin a run for his money.

[irunalot]

Its Russell

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/15...ndin-explained

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by irunalot

Its Russell

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/15...ndin-explained

Positive . It's Russell , confirmed by the Wolf(f)

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by minn19

Albon was in close contact on the podium (elsewhere) with them as well. RBR may need a whole new lineup for these last two races. Hopefully not.

Mate , as you know : Red Bull gives you wings !

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

I've voted Vandoorne also, Russell? he's under contract to Williams,he belongs to Frank until the end of the year,Wolff doesn't own him.

A message from Jenson Button

[FormulaMMM]

YES. Well-deserved for RUS.

Too bad it's not happening on a more technical driver's circuit so we could really see what the kid can do, but nonetheless, awesome.

A rare occasion where we'll get a hint on driver vs. car questions...

Looking forward to it. Wish I could see lap for lap telemetry RUS vs. BOT as he learns the car.

[SenorFunkyPants]

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

I've voted Vandoorne also, Russell? he's under contract to Williams,he belongs to Frank until the end of the year,Wolff doesn't own him.

Wow, you called that one spot on...
Except Frank doesn't own anyone and Russells contract with Williams is to the end of 2021.

[FormulaMMM]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

Wow, you called that one spot on...
Except Frank doesn't own anyone and Russells contract with Williams is to the end of 2021.

And if Williams had denied him this opportunity, would have been indefensible.

Props to Merc for not bringing in a 2nd string type of talent as well. That would have been the easy choice. They have the title wrapped up, RUS's potential success doesn't do BOT any favors. Or HAM for that matter, not that his resume is in doubt.

What's a top tier young talent do in F1's all-time best car? This is good stuff!

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by FormulaMMM

And if Williams had denied him this opportunity, would have been indefensible.

Props to Merc for not bringing in a 2nd string type of talent as well. That would have been the easy choice. They have the title wrapped up, RUS's potential success doesn't do BOT any favors. Or HAM for that matter, not that his resume is in doubt.

What's a top tier young talent do in F1's all-time best car? This is good stuff!

Spot on. We need to see top young talent in top cars. HAM and VET were the prototype for this and VER took it to another level. Back in the day, it was Andrea DeCeresis who, if memory serves correctly, was 19 years old. These guys have raced since they were 7 and 8 years old. At 22 they have the equivalent of a medical degree FFS. Stop the endless come backs and let the young guys show their mettle.

GREAT decision by Wolff and Co. I'm sure Niki is smiling down on this one.

[FormulaMMM]

Originally Posted by MKSixer

GREAT decision by Wolff and Co. I'm sure Niki is smiling down on this one.

Without a doubt. F1 should be a lion's den for all involved.

[SenorFunkyPants]

Originally Posted by FormulaMMM

Without a doubt. F1 should be a lion's den for all involved.

Who recalls the hey days of prequalifying just to get into the race.

[M5theonlyone]

I guess Wolff gets what he wants even taking them at will from another Merc engined team.

[racerbruce]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

Who recalls the hey days of prequalifying just to get into the race.

Senor,
I began following F1 in 1989....don't recall this; tell us about pre-quali.

[E92inPHX]

I hope Russel wins or at least does better than Bottas. To me they’ve kept Bottas all these years to be Lewis’ lapdog and a Russell win might put some heat on them to finally take on someone else who will fight it out with Lewis. Nothing personal against Bottas but everyone can see he’s been a distant second and already out of the drivers title every year by the third or halfway mark.

[fiveohwblow]

Originally Posted by sxyblue

I hope Russel wins or at least does better than Bottas. To me they’ve kept Bottas all these years to be Lewis’ lapdog and a Russell win might put some heat on them to finally take on someone else who will fight it out with Lewis. Nothing personal against Bottas but everyone can see he’s been a distant second and already out of the drivers title every year by the third or halfway mark.

I agree with most of this. I do think Bottas has some skill and it is shadowed by overall circumstances.

To be fair though, I think HAM is an example of top notch skill and top notch chassis. If in a lesser chassis as in the past, wins wouldn't come so easy, but would likely still come.

BOT benefits from chassis to place him second, but has been given his spot based on the relationship with Toto (his manager).

Others on the grid would yield better results, but aren't given the chance for reasons stated above.

[M5theonlyone]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

A message from Jenson Button

Wolff would tell him to wear a diaper in that case