I am very excited for this weekend’s Formula One race. Current world champion Lewis Hamilton tested positive for COVID-19, so in his seat goes young George Russell from the Williams team. While we all hope Sir Lewis recovers fully and quickly, the spectacle of seeing the Mercedes protege put into the fastest car on the grid is something new and refreshing in this decidedly dull season. Spare a thought for the Mercedes reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne, though: it must suck to not get the seat even though you are the official third driver of a two-car team.
Obviously, team Mercedes is looking towards the future. This is a unique opportunity (spurned on by an unfortunate event) to see just how good young Russell is. Over the past two season, George have built a reputation for being a fast qualifier, handily outperforming the underwhelming Williams car and his teammate. The question was always: could he replicate this in a wining car? We are about to find out this weekend, and it makes this second Bahrain race must-see television.
And how desperate Valtteri Bottas will be to win the race - or at least place in front of Russell? After four season of playing second-fiddle to the all-conquering Hamilton, losing to Russell this weekend would be the death knell to Bottas’ racing reputation - he’s just not world championship calibre. However unfair that may be, that’s how motoring fans will perceive him if he is to lose out to Russell. God forbid if George actually wins the race; that would be scandalous for Valtteri.
Don’t forget the F1 drivers will be racing on a new layout of the Bahrain circuit - the outer loop. With qualifying times estimated to be well under the one minute mark, laps will come quick and fast. Fingers are crossed for some exciting racing and massive amounts of overtaking.
I bolding predict a race win for Russell.
We’re going to school!