Lewis Hamilton helped me a lot: Russell

New Williams recruit, George Russell, has revealed how his fellow Brit and Mercedes senior, Lewis Hamilton, helped him with his development and his ultimate journey to F1. The Mercedes junior was confirmed as a Williams driver for next year.

“I have a good relationship with Lewis Hamilton,” Russell told The Sun. “Being with Mercedes has helped me 100 per cent.”

“He is a friendly and talkative guy within the team environment, which you would not expect from the outside from the perception he is given.”

He also joked about not wanting to pass on the invaluable advice he received from his seniors. “He has given me a few tips, none of which I wish to share because I am in a privileged position getting advice from one of the best ever drivers in F1,” he said.

“So any advice I get, I am not going to pass that on!”

At the same time, the youngster was also aware how lucky he was and appreciated his privilege. “I was really surprised when I met him,” he added.

“I have been in a very privileged position to have the opportunity to be so up close and personal with Lewis and Valtteri and how they interact with the team. That will help me move forward next year.”

Russell has surely made the decision of listening to the right people as there is no one better to take advice other than an almost five-time world champion like Lewis Hamilton. Despite Ferrari seemingly having the faster car, he has managed to hold a 67-point lead over Vettel.

Though that has largely been aided by Vettel’s own mistakes, the opportunism he has displayed to take the top spot at most races has been commendable and surely the mark of a champion.

Lewis Hamilton loves a challenge with a German, be it Rosberg or Vettel. He has mostly emerged victorious (except in 2016) and has gone even as far as saying that he is ‘tired’ of his current competition.