George Russell tipped to be Mercedes driver

“It put into context that given the tools, he is fully capable of being at the sharp end and delivering a result.

“His qualifying performances for Williams have been excellent this year although his starts, opening laps and tyre management have not always been as good.

“A quality young driver with a lot of self-confidence who deserves to be in a Mercedes very soon.”

Russell looked on course to win the Sakhir Grand Prix until a disastrous pit stop error left him down the field.