---
title: "Russell to replace Hamilton at Mercedes for Sakhir GP, Aitken takes Williams seat"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2020/12/02/russell-to-replace-hamilton-at-mercedes-for-sakhir-gp-aitken-takes-williams-seat/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2020-12-02T15:39:36Z"
modified: "2020-12-02T15:39:44Z"
---

# Russell to replace Hamilton at Mercedes for Sakhir GP, Aitken takes Williams seat

George Russell will race for Mercedes at this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton after Williams agreed to release him.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton was ruled out of racing in Bahrain after returning a positive COVID-19 test just a day after his victory at the Bahrain International Circuit.

As a result, Mercedes has acted quickly to find driver to fill in for Hamilton while he recovers, opting to promote its junior protege Russell.

Russell tested for Mercedes at the end of last season in Abu Dhabi, and will become only the fifth driver to drive for the team since it returned to Formula 1 in 2010.

“First and foremost, I wish to thank our loyal partners at Williams for their collaboration and open-mindedness in making it possible for George to race for Mercedes this weekend,” said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

“The conversations with the team at Williams were positive and pragmatic, and those were the key factors in reaching an agreement.

“It will not be a straightforward task for George to make the transition from the Williams to the W11, but he is race-ready and has detailed understanding of the 2020 tyres and how they perform on this generation of cars.

“George has shown impressive form this year with Williams, playing an instrumental role in their climb up the grid, and I am optimistic that he will deliver a strong performance alongside Valtteri, who will be a demanding reference for him.”

Russell believes the opportunity will benefit his development as a driver, and is prepared to learn as much as he can from the reigning champions.

“Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody at Williams for giving me this opportunity. I might be wearing a different race suit this weekend, but I’m a Williams driver and I’ll be cheering my team on every step of the way,” Russell said.

“I see this as a great chance to learn from the best outfit on the grid right now and to come back as an improved driver, with even more energy and experience to help push Williams further up the grid.

“A big thank you also to Mercedes for putting their faith in me. Obviously, nobody can replace Lewis, but I’ll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car.”

Williams reserve driver Jack Aitken will make his F1 debut in place of Russell, having driven the FW43 in FP1 at Austria earlier this season.

Aitken is in his third Formula 2 campaign, claiming five victories in that period and is currently 14th in standings.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to have the opportunity to make my debut with Williams this coming weekend and I am extremely happy for George to have his chance too!” Aitken said.

“I really mean it when I say I’ve felt very much at home here since I joined Williams earlier this year, so to get my chance to help the team try to achieve that elusive points finish is an extremely satisfying occasion to say the least.

“I’ll be doing all I can to prepare in the coming days, but truthfully, I feel like I have been ready since Melbourne.”

Williams acting team principal Simon Roberts added: “Our long-term partnership and George’s affiliation with Mercedes is no secret, and so I’m delighted George has this unique opportunity to join Mercedes, the current constructors’ champions.

“We have been working hard to ensure that an agreement could be made with Mercedes to allow him this fantastic opportunity. George very much remains a Williams driver and we look forward to him returning to us fresh from this experience and wish him a successful race this weekend.

“We are also thrilled this means we are able to give another British talent in Jack Aitken the opportunity to make his Formula One race debut.

“We look forward to seeing him build on his previous experience driving the car in practice, to see what he can do in a qualifying and race situation.”