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How Hamilton helped Russell get to F1

How Hamilton helped Russell get to F1

How Hamilton helped Russell get to F1

How Hamilton helped Russell get to F1

George Russell has revealed how Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton has helped him develop after being signed to a 2019 race seat with Williams. Russell has been a member of Mercedes' junior driver programme since 2017 and is poised to secure the Formula 2 championship this year.

Russell officially penned a "multi-year" deal with Williams this week, confirming a step up to F1 after following British Formula 4 and GP3 title-winning years with a fine debut season in F2.

The 20-year-old needs a podium finish in either race at the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi to be crowned champion, by which time Hamilton will likely have wrapped up a fifth world title.

And Russell says having one of the sport's modern-day greats available to talk to has helped him make it to the top.

Russell told The Sun: "Being with Mercedes has helped me 100 per cent.

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

"I have a good relationship with Lewis.

"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.

"I was really surprised when I met him.

"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.

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

MORE: Ocon could still secure Williams deal
MORE: Williams confirm Russell signing

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