F1’s next generation steps forward as George Russell and Lando Norris test in Hungary in bid to secure 2019 seat

Two days of mid-season testing at the Hungaroring sees a handful of future hopefuls get their shot at impressing the Formula One circus

George Russell will test on both days for Mercedes as he targets a race seat in 2019 (Getty)

Sunday may have marked the start of the summer break, but for nearly all of the Formula One paddock it will be business as normal on Tuesday when mid-season testing gets underway.

Fresh from hosting the 12th race of the season, the Hungaroring will stage two days of testing this week where a number of rising talents will get a chance to prove why they should be on the grid next season – as well as one well-known ex-grand prix winner.

Robert Kubica returns to the cockpit this week in what will be the latest test in his return from suffering career-changing injuries in a rally crash seven years ago. Having missed out on a seat for 2018, the 33-year-old Pole is hoping to try and force his way into the Williams team – who he will drive for on Wednesday – or impress a number of other teams who could be on the lookout for a new driver next year.

Kubica will follow 25-year-old British driver Oliver Rowland in the Williams, with the current World Endurance Championship competitor testing on Tuesday among a number of other bright young stars.

Current Formula Two championship leader George Russell will get behind the wheel of the car that won last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix as he drives the Mercedes on both days, and even though Lewis Hamilton and, pending an official announcement, Valtteri Bottas remain with Mercedes next season, Russell believes he has multiple chances to be on the grid in 2019.

With the 20-year-old already the reigning GP3 champion and official Mercedes test driver, it’s understood that the F1 outfit are hopeful of a deal with Williams that will see Russell join them next year, although Force India, Haas and Sauber are also in the mix.

“There is absolutely no reason why any of those four teams could not be an option for next year,” Russell told Press Association.

“I have to wait for the drivers ahead of me to fall in place. Is Kimi Raikkonen going to stay? Is Fernando Alonso going to stay? What’s going on with Esteban Ocon at Force India? Will Charles Leclerc go to Ferrari? It is a domino effect, and I am the last domino.

Robert Kubica returns to the cockpit with Williams to continue his comeback from injury (Getty)

“Williams is certainly appealing to me as they have got a huge history within the sport, and they are known for bringing young drivers into their car, so it would be fantastic to carry on that tradition. I also have a great relationship with Force India.

“But doing well in Formula Two is opening doors at a number of places down the grid, and there is no reason why the likes of Sauber and Haas couldn’t be an option either. If I keep doing what I am doing, I will make the opportunity for myself.”

Russell currently leads the Formula Two standings (PA)

Russell leads the F2 championship by 12 points over British rival Lando Norris, who will be testing the McLaren this week in his latest outing for the Woking outfit. However, with Norris two years younger than Russell, there is a growing feeling that 2019 may come too soon for the King’s Lynn native, and that a second year in Formula Two could be the best option for him.

Not all of the current drivers will be disappearing on holiday just yet, as Daniel Ricciardo has stayed in Budapest to take care of Red Bull’s duties on Tuesday before Aston Martin GT racer Jake Dennis takes over, while Kimi Raikkonen will drive the Ferrari on Wednesday, following on from test driver Antonio Giovinazzo who continues to push for a seat in F1 – the Italian will switch to Sauber for Wednesday’s action once Marcus Ericsson vacates the seat.

Lando Norris will run for McLaren across both days (PA)

Renault have selected Nico Hulkenberg to share responsibilities with Russian F2 talent Artem Markelov, while Toro Rosso are yet to announce their plans following Sunday’s brilliant sixth-place finish by Pierre Gasly.

Haas have decided not to run as they see little benefit in committing to the test, but cash-strapped Force India – who last week were placed in administration in an effort to save the team’s future – will run, with Nicholas Latifi and Nikita Mazepin sharing duties.