When George Russell was announced to be racing alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2022, very few doubted his future success. The current Williams driver has given glimpses of his supreme talent on many occasions. But with a driver of such high pedigree set to be racing alongside him, how does Hamilton feel about it?

It’s an interesting question because Hamilton hasn’t been challenged inside or outside his team for five years.

Yet the seven-time world champion has nothing but wishes of good luck and success for his future teammate. He praised Russell’s talent and explained that when he says farewell to F1, he hopes Russell can fill in his shoes.

“There will come a point where I won’t go any further. As my teammate, he’ll be the next Brit I want to see win the world championship,” Hamilton said as reported in Auto Motor Sport.

Hamilton explained that he expects Russell to approach his next step similarly as he did back with Fernando Alonso when he joined McLaren in 2007.

“I remember saying before the duel with Alonso that I wanted to beat him right in the first race. I expect George to approach the matter with the same attitude, otherwise he wouldn’t be a winner.” (Translated via Google Translate)

Lewis Hamilton could finally conquer all the mountains of F1

Probably, the main reason Hamilton is so welcoming with Russell’s entry is down to where he is in his career. Lots of drivers, when they get older, transition into a mentor role for ‘the next big thing’.

But another factor could be simply because Hamilton may finally win it all.

In the last few years, the 36-year-old driver has conquered and claimed almost all the major records in F1. He is the driver with the most wins, most pole positions, most podiums, most points among others.

But one record he can break this season is of the most titles won, the biggest record of them all. Hamilton is currently tied with Michael Schumacher with seven world championships.

With two races to go, an eight-point deficit, and a car superior to his rival’s, it’s looking like Hamilton may finally conquer the highest of highs this year.

So. when that happens, he may not have a lot left to prove. And this would directly result in a different mindset for 2022. That is when George Russell arrives.

And like all his fans and Lewis Hamilton, Russell will know that he is next in line to be the ‘next big thing’.

Also Read: Lewis Hamilton Needs to Do What Hasn’t Been Done By Anyone Since Sebastian Vettel to Beat Max Verstappen to F1 Title