Russell reveals key F1 aspect he’s learnt from Hamilton

George Russell says the lessons he has learned from five-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton can help him in his debut season.

The 20-year-old Briton, who was crowned the 2018 Formula 2 champion, will make his F1 debut in the upcoming 2019 campaign having signed a multi-year deal to race for Williams.

Alongside his F2 commitments, Russell spent a number of grand prix weekends with reigning world champions Mercedes in his previous role of reserve driver, revealing his position provided him with valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes operation of an F1 team.

Asked what is the most important aspect he has learned from working with Hamilton, Russell said: “I think from my side, seeing how Lewis deals with the team behind the scenes.

“No matter who you are, you can see how that driver works on track. At the end of the day, what works for him might not work for me, and vice versa.

“But from my side the biggest thing I learnt [is] in the debrief and how he discusses, and talks with the engineers, and deals with that aspect.”

Following back-to-back title triumphs in GP3 and F2, Russell will partner the returning Robert Kubica at the Grove-based outfit, which is looking to recover from a torrid season in which it fell to the bottom of the constructors’ championship.

“I’m really excited to be teammates with Robert,” he said.

“I think obviously his natural talent is unquestionable, he has a huge amount of technical knowledge to be able to bring to the team.

“So I think with his experience and my experience from Mercedes, I think we have a lot to bring from two very different angles to push Williams back forward.”