Williams confirm Russell-Latifi line-up for 2021

Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Williams F1 Team has announced that it will retain its 2020 driver line-up for next year with George Russell and Nicholas Latifi staying with the Grove-based outfit for another season.

Announcing via a Twitter post, Williams has confirmed that George Russell and Nicholas Latifi will stay with the team for the 2021 Formula One season. That will be the first time since 2016 that the Grove-based outfit retains its driver pairing for the consecutive season. "Looking forward to seeing these two continuing to do their stuff with the team next year," the team posted on Thursday.

Prior to the 2019 F1 season, Russell signed a three-year contract with Williams, but he was believed to have a chance of being promoted to Mercedes for 2021.

Speaking during the press conference ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Russel has confirmed that „I will be staying with Williams for 2021. I signed a three-year deal with Williams and I’ll be staying there for 2021 to build off last year and hopefully what this year hopefully turns out to be.”

The confirmation also means that Russell will not drive for Mercedes with the news indicating the the Anglo-German outfit will retain the services of Valtteri Bottas for another year. “No I’m not disappointed in Mercedes at all, there was nothing more they could do.

“Claire [Williams] was very firm with her decision that she was not ready to let me go, and ultimately as I have a contract with Williams I have to respect that decision. I’m here and I will be giving everything I have this year and next year and let’s see what the future holds after that,” he concluded.