George Russell has seen the names of F1 drivers who have contracted Toto Wolff about🍰 coming to Mercedes next year.

Team principal Wolff is f👍ace𓆉d with the colossal decision of how to replace seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton will race for one final season with Mercedes before going to Ferrari next♏ year, crea♍ting a coveted vacancy alongside Russell.

Russell said abꦇout his future teammate: “[Wolff and I] already had conversations.

“I’ve been with Toto a lot this winte🐠r. Seeing the drivers’ names pop up on the telephon෴es was quite funny.

“Even on my phone, as well, the phone▨ calls and text messages…

“So yeah it’s been quite interesting.

“But, as a team, we’re in a really good opportunity and pos﷽ition to go into thi𒁏s next chapter.

“There’s been so much succ𝓰ess with Lewis a🐼nd Mercedes.”

Options range from the two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso -🌱 who refused to comment this week in Bahrain when asked about going to Mercedes - to ꧑teenage prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Out-of-contract drivers on the grid include Carlos Sainz 🌳who may yet be an attractive option.

Russell was asked what attributes he’s hoping for in his next teammate, and he said: “I think it’s important to h﷽ave good harmony between the drivers.

“Because that trickles down i🌼nto all of the engineers a♌nd the whole team.

🦋“But, ultimately, the decision is wi🐓th Toto and the board.”

Russell and Hamilton tested the W15 this w🅠eek at preseason testing in Bahrain.

It is the fina🌞l F1 car that Hamilton will drive for Mercedℱes.

Russell, therefore, may see🌊 2024 as his opportunity to establish himself as Mercedes’ future leader.

Mercedes’ most recent F1 grand prix win - i🌟n Sao Paulo in 2022 - came via Russell in a season where he🍸 out-scored Hamilton.