Rookie Russell brushes off talk of move

AFP | Updated: Jul 26, 2019, 18:59 IST

Hockenheim, Germany, July 26, 2019 (AFP) - British rookie George Russell has brushed aside speculation about his future and confirmed he expects to stay with Williams next year.The 21-year-old driver, who has impressed many paddock observers despite his team's lack of pace, is part of the Mercedes driver development programme and has been linked with a move to another Mercedes-powered team.But he said he is not considering leaving Williams other than to move to the all-conquering factory team itself."I am absolutely committed to Williams," he said. "The only way I wouldn't be at Williams next year is if I was in a Mercedes -- if the opportunity came along."That would be fantastic, obviously, but it's not at the forefront of my mind."Russell's name is just one of many linked with Mercedes while the champion team considers its options, including extending the contract of Valtteri Bottas.The Finn, team-mate to world champion Lewis Hamilton, has a one-year deal, but believes he will stay."There is no news yet," he said Thursday at the German Grand Prix. "But there is also no panic. In terms of performance, I have had my best season so far, but I am always finding areas to be better."Romain Grosjean's future at Haas has also been questioned. Like Bottas, his deal expires at the end of this year."My first goal is to stay at Haas," he said.str/cw

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