Mercedes "fresh sheet of paper beneficial" for Russell switch

George Russell believes the regulation changes in F1 for the upcoming season will prove to be a positive after his switch to Mercedes.

The Briton will partner Lewis Hamilton at the Silver Arrows having been promoted from Williams after three promising years at the back of the grid.

The move comes at a time when the DNA of an F1 car has been overhauled by regulation changes aimed at promoting closer, more exciting racing, meaning hardly any components have been taken from last year's machinery into the new breed of car.

With such a dramatic change ongoing, Russell can only see positives to his switch happening now instead of retaining continuity with Williams for a further season.

"I see moving teams during this regulation change as a positive in all honesty," said Russell in a video posted by Mercedes.

"We have got a completely different car which is a completely different philosophy to previously different tyres, working with new engineers and I think starting from a completely fresh sheet of paper is beneficial to all.

"Whereas, I think if I had stayed with Williams for this season, there are always things in the back of your mind that you learned in the previous era of cars that will always subconsciously carry through into the future.

"If you are truly starting from a fresh slate, it can only be beneficial this year."

Mercedes launches its all-new W13 on February 18 ahead of pre-season testing kicking off in Barcelona five days later.

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