Not Bottas or Hamilton, but Russell did test for Mercedes in Hungary

3 August 2021 at 19:41

Last update 3 August 2021 at 21:53

GPblog.com

George Russell was allowed to drive a Mercedes again on Tuesday in Hungary after the Grand Prix. The Williams driver drove for the German team at the Hungaroring during a Pirelli test.

Pirelli test run by three teams

Pirelli is undertaking a two-day test at the Hungaroring to test its 18-inch tyres. Besides Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren are also present. But while the latter two teams opt for their regular drivers, Mercedes gave the chance to their junior Russell.

Russell drove a good test in which he managed to get almost two full race distances according to MotorsportWeek.com. 66 laps in the morning and 71 in the afternoon. Ferrari did a lot more. Charles Leclerc drove 91 in the morning and Carlos Sainz 82 in the afternoon. Lando Norris got all day to test the tyres and drove 122 laps, tomorrow Daniel Ricciardo will be in the McLaren.

That’s @MercedesAMGF1 and @GeorgeRussell63 heading home from the @HungaroringF1. A total of 137 laps and a good feel for what next year’s #Fit4F1 18-inch tyres are going to be like. @F1 @fia pic.twitter.com/cKyvwKjumY
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) August 3, 2021

Russell possible move to Mercedes

Russell scored his first points for his current team, Williams, in Hungary. Mercedes is interested in the young Briton and he could become the second Mercedes driver next to Lewis Hamilton in 2022.