Williams confirms (once again) Russell and Latifi for 2021

For the second time this season, Williams confirmed that Nicholas latifi and George Russell would continue to team up in Grove (UK) next year.

If the historic team felt the need to make such an announcement ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, it is mainly because of the rumors which had been circulating for several weeks and reported a potential interest from Williams for Sergio Pérez, and vice versa. 

The candidacy of the Mexican, a sure bet on the plateau for 10 years accompanied by solid support, then represented a potential threat for one of the 2020 holders. Given the partners that Latifi also enjoys, whose father Michael played the financial backer for Williams earlier this season, Russell seemed to be in the hot seat.

The evasive statements of his team principal Simon Roberts last week in Portugal, just like those of his mentor Toto wolff, boss of the stable Mercedes F1, were not likely to reassure the former champion of Formula 2.

The story ultimately ends well for Russell, who has been confirmed in his role for one more season. “ Nothing has changed on my side, he commented from Imola (Italy). Earlier this year it was announced that I would be there in 2021. In the meantime, quite a few rumors circulated and I recognized that there were many good drivers on the market. But I will be good at Williams next year ». 

Present at his side at the press conference, Roberts apologized for the confusion that these words may have caused in Portimão.

« We did not want to comment on our drivers after the announcement made by Claire (Williams, former deputy team principal of the eponymous team) earlier this season, justified the current main executive team. Nothing has changed regarding our pair of runners for next year. I am very happy to see them continue with us ». 

After the one-year renewal of Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi at Alfa Romeo this Friday morning, another door closes for Pérez in F1. However, it is rumored that the Mexican would be well placed to win the second seat Red Bull next to Max Verstappen. The veteran would then clearly not lose out.