ESPN.com · Dec 10, 2020
Russell plays down 'throwaway remark' on Mercedes move
George Russell has dampened speculation of an early move to Mercedes after his impressive performance as stand-in for seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton.
The 22-year-old Briton fuelled some chatter when he said in Bahrain last Sunday that he hoped he had given Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff a selection headache "not just for 2022, maybe sooner".
"That was just a throwaway remark in the heat of the moment," Russell told reporters at Formula One's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Thursday.
"Obviously emotions were high and what have you. I have a contract and am a Williams driver for 2021."