George Russell says reigning Formula E world champion Nyck de Vries deserves to join the grid in Formula 1, labeling the Dutchman a “fantastic driver”.<\/p>\n
Driving for the works Mercedes team, De Vries conquered the title in Formula E in Berlin last month, an achievement hailed by Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff who also stated that the 26-year-old charger’s talent was worthy of a seat in F1.<\/p>\n
De Vries is seen as a potential candidate to replace Russell at Williams \u2013 a team powered by Mercedes’ engines – if the Briton is confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate at the Mercedes team for 2022.<\/p>\n
But the FE world champion has reportedly also emerged as a frontrunner for a drive with Alfa Romeo Racing, with the Swiss outfit set to refresh a line-up that is expected to include Valtteri Bottas.<\/p>\n
\u00a9Mercedes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Regardless of the opportunities that may come his way, de Vries will get the backing of Russell who believes his former F2 rival is a “fantastic driver”.<\/p>\n
“He\u2019s a Formula 2 champion, he\u2019s a Formula E champion, he\u2019s definitely got the speed, the charisma, and the right attitude to be an F1 driver,” Russell said, quoted by Motorsport.com<\/em>.<\/p>\n “Unfortunately, Formula 1 only has 20 drivers. For a great driver to come in, a great driver has to leave. So, it\u2019s not quite as simple as that.<\/p>\n “But he deserves to be here, but let\u2019s see if he gets the opportunity or if the opportunity arises itself. Unfortunately, there\u2019s not enough space for everybody.”<\/p>\n Russell’s Williams teammate Nicholas Latifi, who is expected to remain with the Grove-based outfit next season and who also battled de Vries in the ranks of F2, echoed the Briton’s praise and would welcome the Dutchman as his colleague at Williams.<\/p>\n “I definitely think after the year we raced against each other in Formula 2, I don’t know if I did say it, but I think I said he definitely deserved a shot in Formula 1,” Latifi said. “He had a really strong year this year in Formula E as well.<\/p>\n “If he was to take the second seat in Williams, and provided I\u2019m still there as well, I think he will be a great teammate and very capable in Formula 1.”<\/p>\n Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers<\/p>\n Keep up to date with all the F1 news via <\/em>Facebook<\/em> and <\/em>Twitter<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" George Russell says reigning Formula E world champion Nyck de Vries deserves to join the grid in Formula 1, labeling the Dutchman a “fantastic driver”. Driving for the works Mercedes team, De Vries conquered the title in Formula E in Berlin last month, an achievement hailed by Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff who also stated … <\/p>\n\nRead also: Albon in line to lead Williams line-up in 2022\n<\/ul>\n