The Brit was drafted for the Sakhir Grand Prix by the German automaker after the regular Lewis Hamilton was infected with the coronavirus.
Russell impressed immensely over the weekend and had a good chance of winning the race before a failed pit stop and a late puncture completely ruined his chances.
After returning to Williams for the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Russell said that just one outing for Mercedes taught him some important lessons that will be valuable for the future.
“I think I learned the most about adaptability,” Russell explained. “My driving style in the Williams even hurt me a bit in the Mercedes.
“So when I went back to the Williams and tried to do some of the things I did in that Bahrain race but I couldn’t do it with the Williams, I think that kind of reassured me that you have to be open minded and you have to has to adapt to everything the car gives you.
“So if a guy drives like that in a Mercedes, it doesn’t mean that you can drive a Williams like that, and vice versa.”
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Russell’s strong performance for Mercedes put him in the context of a full-time racing seat on the team for 2022.
Valtteri Bottas’ contract there is currently expiring at the end of 2021, while Russell’s own contract with Williams will also expire.
Russell knows that nothing can be taken for granted when Mercedes decides what to do. Therefore, he has to accept the situation he is in with Williams.
When asked what he needs to do in 2021 to secure the Mercedes seat in 2022, Russell said, “I think it’s about continuing the form and continuing the positive attitude internally with the team and externally.
“The poor performance here is not frustrating and continues to try to bring Williams forward. I think Mercedes believes in me, they gave me the opportunity and they always supported me.
“Now it is my duty that I remain loyal and that over the course of the next year I do not suddenly change due to certain circumstances and become something that I am currently not.”