GEORGE RUSSELL has cemented his place because the favorite for a Mercedes drive subsequent season, in line with Ralf Schumacher.

The ex-Formula One star believes Russell’s call-up to a summer season tyre take a look at within the Merc is a telling signal that he’ll substitute Valtteri Bottas.

George Russell has been tipped to race for Mercedes subsequent seasonCredit score: Alamy

Crew principal Toto Wolff has beforehand declared that the 2022 drive line-up shall be accomplished over the summer season break, which ends later this month.

Lewis Hamilton is signed up for another two seasons with the hypothesis targeted on Bottas’ precarious place.

Many followers and pundits had assumed that Williams star Russell, 23, could be the motive force elevated if Bottas is eliminated – till Jacques Villeneuve claimed that Lance Stroll would possibly get the nod.

However Schumacher, 46, has insisted that Russell’s transfer is all however executed.

The German advised AutoBild: “It is true that [Aston Martin boss Lawrence] Stroll and Wolff are shut pals.

“However how far would they go? I do not assume Lance Stroll performs a job at Mercedes.

“I feel that is the place Russell is seated. It’s no coincidence that he’s doing the exams for Mercedes with the brand new 18-inch tyres that shall be used subsequent 12 months.

“For me it is a clear indication.”

MER TO COME

Russell changed Hamilton for final 12 months’s Sakhir Grand Prix when the world champion was dominated out with coronavirus.

And he bagged his first factors for Williams with a ninth-placed end in Hungary final trip, elevated to eighth after Sebastian Vettel’s disqualification.

The Brit’s summer season break started with a take a look at on subsequent 12 months’s 18-inch wheels and he clocked 137 laps within the Mercedes earlier than jetting off to Santorini.

Followers eagerly await an announcement on his future with Bottas, 31, tipped to be dropped after a first-corner crash in the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Bottas’ contract expires on the finish of the 12 months however it has been speculated that Toto Wolff will try to search out him a seat for 2022 regardless.

Ex-racer Villeneuve named Aston Martin’s Stroll as one contender for the Merc seat on the idea that Bottas will transfer in the wrong way.

He had stated “Stroll Snr’s dream, very near Toto Wolff, is to see his son profitable championships.

“And Toto wants a spot for Valtteri.”