George Russell listed for Mercedes duties in Abu Dhabi as Lewis Hamilton remains absent

Mercedes have listed George Russell to appear at their pre-Abu Dhabi press conference in a major hint that the youngster may step in for Lewis Hamilton once again. The 22-year-old deputised for his fellow Brit at the Sakhir Grand Prix last weekend.

Russell has been named by Mercedes to speak to the press despite not knowing who he will drive for at the weekend.

The Williams ace was given special dispensation to race for Mercedes in Bahrain.

And he would have had the first F1 win of his career had it not been for a horrific pit stop and late puncture.

All of the F1 team arrived in Abu Dhabi earlier this week to prepare for the season-ending Grand Prix.

However, Hamilton was absent from the Mercedes camp as he must quarantine in Bahrain until Thursday because he contracted coronavirus.

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“I could have been off the pace in Bahrain and fluked a podium, but I wouldn’t have been as satisfied as I am now because I know it was a well-executed weekend.

“With more and more races under my belt in this car I will just get stronger.”