A Speculative F1 Bet On George Russell Could Be Worth It

Image source: Marc Alvarado, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

He’s won seven F1 World Championships and the Queen gave him a knighthood. He’s perhaps the most successful driver in the sport’s history. However, Lewis Hamilton still doesn’t have a contract for this season. Mercedes simply don’t wish to pay him what he is asking. He’s asking for a lot. So, there is just a chance Lewis won’t race for the Silver Arrows this year. That’s why a bet on George Russell at online betting sites in the UK like Bet365 instead is an interesting bet.  

Just how much is a world champion worth? It’s a question Mercedes have had to ask themselves. They’re trying to negotiate a contract with Lewis Hamilton but progress is slow. Lewis is asking for a lot of money. Perhaps too much money. Fortunately, the delay in the start to the season allows them more time, but it may not be enough. After all, Mercedes have other options and a budget cap to contend with. That’s why a bet on George Russell might not be such a daft idea.

Lewis is asking for £35.5 million a year plus 10% of any prize money Mercedes earn this year. That’s quite a large chunk of their operating budget. Is he worth it? Perhaps not. Mercedes will win the World Championship regardless of who is driving. They unarguably have the best car. Whomever drives it will probably win. So, a bet on George Russell at 16/1 is not a completely stupid bet on sports in the UK. He could be the cheap alternative Mercedes are looking for.

Sir Lewis Asks For £35.5m A Year Plus 10% Of The Take

George Russell has already driven the Mercedes. Indeed, he would have won the Sakir Grand Prix in 2020 if Mercedes hadn’t sabotaged him. They had to. He was making it look too easy. So, Mercedes perhaps don’t need Lewis Hamilton as much as he needs them. Not that they will threaten Lewis with this thought. They don’t need to. He knows. However, he thinks his brand image will make Mercedes putting a bet on George Russell instead unlikely. But is it really?

Bet  On F1 In 2021 

• Anyone Else 100/1+
• Fernando Alonso – 80/1
• Daniel Ricciardo – 60/1
• Charles Leclerc – 20/1
• Sergio Perez – 18/1
• George Russell – 16/1
• Valtteri Bottas – 11/2
• Max Verstappen – 9/2
• Lewis Hamilton – 2/5
• More odds at bet365…

Whilst most people will bet on Mercedes caving in to Lewis’ demands, some aren’t so sure he’s worth it. Lewis wants to be a hero, an activist for good causes and an exponent of electric racing. That may not fit in with Mercedes plans. Naturally right now the odds on Lewis Hamilton are the shortest available, but that may not last. Indeed the longer the negotiations continue the more taking advantage of UK gambling laws to bet on George Russell in F1 racing seems a wise idea. 

Get 16/1 For A Bet On George Russell At Bet365

“We never played the George Russell card.” Claims Toto Wolff. “He did incredibly well and will one day be in a top car, but our long standing partnership (with Lewis) is not at all about making any threatening gestures.” No, of course, it’s not. That’s why you killed George’s dreams just to placate Lewis’ ego. You showed Lewis what Mercedes would look like without him. Mercedes bet on George Russell to underline their dominant position, and he did them proud. Then they betrayed him.

So, if you’re going to bet on the Bahrain Grand Prix, or back the odds on Mercedes, at online sportsbook sites in the UK just remember there is no guarantee Sir Lewis will race. A bet on George Russell at that price on Bet365 is thus a good little cover in case negotiations break down. Because as much as they want to keep their famous face, Mercedes aren’t stupid. Drivers come and go, but the car will always be a winner. Lewis Hamilton may have lost sight of that fact. 

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