Young gun Russell thrilled with practice debut

Emerging British talent George Russell has spoken of his enjoyment after enjoying his maiden practice session for Force India in Brazil.

The 19-year-old impressed throughout and, speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, confessed that although rubbing shoulders with the best in the world feels 'surreal', he is ready to make an impact at the earliest opportunity.

"It's Formula 1, what I have been working towards for a long time,” he said.

“I feels kind of normal at the moment but when I really thinking about it it's really surreal. I'm here in Brazil driving in a Formula 1 practice session! I feel good, I feel ready and this is where I want to be."

"After winning the GP3 title I was pushing Mercedes quite hard that I wanted to be given the opportunity.”

Russell finished in 12th after completing 29 laps, his time just half-a-second slower than that of Esteban Ocon, who has been one of the standout performers of the season - impressive from someone who had only driven the car in a simulator the previous week.

Russell does have some track experience, being involved in Mercedes’ test in Budapest back in July, and he admitted that helped him take in the surroundings without putting too much pressure on himself.

"That was probably the number one target - enjoy it," he told reporters.

The young hopeful is making steady progress in his career and is expected to make the step up to Formula 2 next year, but even though Formula 1 is a few seasons away yet, he insists he is ready to drive with the very best.

"I'm doing a lot of F1 stuff this year with Mercedes, I've done a lot of simulator work, I feel I've really prepared well," the Englishman said.

"I won the GP3 championship so I feel ready for an F1 seat, but we'll have to see what the options are."