Russell 'kept on toes' by Hamilton

George Russell has paid tribute to the 'never say die' attitude of Lewis Hamilton after feeling the pressure from his team-mate in the Australian Grand Prix.

Russell scored the first podium of his Mercedes F1 career after benefiting from a safety car intervention to pass Hamilton for third at Albert Park.

Although Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso separated the pair at the restart, Russell conceded to feeling the pressure after he was chased home by the seven-time champion who finished fourth.

"He kept me on my toes for sure, he doesn't give up that guy," Russell told Sky Sports.

"He was pushing until the end and I knew that I needed to keep on pushing if I wanted a shot at keeping him behind."

Russell has "more to come"

Hamilton is statistically the greatest driver of all-time and partnering the Briton is a daunting task for any driver.

But after three races, Russell finds himself second in the drivers' standings and nine points clear of his team-mate.

Asked how he was coping alongside Hamilton after his winter switch from Williams, Russell added: "It has been fine.

"I think there is always more to come, always more to improve from both of us but it has been respectable but I need to keep improving."

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