George Russell is understood to be seeking options away from Williams for 2021 as Sergio Perez is linked to his seat.
Last week, rumours began to emerge that Dorilton Capital, the new owners of the Grove-based team, are attracted to signing the Mexican because of his all-round package of speed, experience and financial backing.
Despite being the lead driver at Williams, any deal is expected to be at the expense of Russell because of the sponsorship brought in by teammate Nicholas Latifi.
By contrast, Mercedes can only offer a cut-price engine deal in exchange for them keeping on their lead junior driver.
Also Read:
- Russell needs a better car, teammate before joining Mercedes – Button
- Russell still wants Hamilton partnership at Mercedes after Williams stay
On Wednesday, Racer validated the initial reports by claiming talks between Williams and Perez have taken place, therefore the Briton is now looking around for other possible seats on the 2021 grid.
Looking around, the situation appears bleak with Haas seemingly having decided on an all-new line-up after Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen announced their departures on Thursday.
At Alfa Romeo, Kimi Raikkonen is expected to stay on with a Ferrari junior replacing Antonio Giovinazzi.
Yuki Tsunoda is being strongly linked to Daniil Kvyat’s place at AlphaTauri, while even if Red Bull did offer Russell the place next to Max Verstappen, it’s highly unlikely Mercedes would agree.
That then leaves two possible outcomes: the most likely would see the 22-year-old assume the same reserve driver role which Esteban Ocon held at the Brackley-based squad last year.
The other, and much less likely, is potentially replacing a retiring Lewis Hamilton, who of course is yet to re-sign beyond 2020.
A new deal for the current six-time world champion is thought to be a case of when not if.