Russell open to Hulkenberg as Williams teammate for 2020

George Russell would be open to Nico Hulkenberg becoming his teammate at Williams for the 2020 season, believing he could lean on the Renault driver’s experience to aid his own development.

Russell will be joined by a new teammate next year after Robert Kubica confirmed last week that he would be leaving Williams at the end of the season.

Formula 2 title contender Nicholas Latifi is the favourite to land the seat, having spent this year working in a development role with the team.

But Williams is one of the few potential landing spots for Hulkenberg, who lost his Renault drive to Esteban Ocon and was passed over for a drive with Haas.

Asked if he had any preference over his teammate for 2020, Russell said: “My preference is to have the fastest driver possible next to me.

“I’m doing my best to prove what I can do to everybody and I want the opportunity again to show that. But ultimately from my side I just focus on myself, get on with my own job, my engineers.”

Russell will enter only his second season in F1 next year, but said he is confident of being able to lead the team if need be, or to learn from a more experienced driver.

“I feel ready to take control, to lead the team, if there were to be a rookie to come alongside me,” Russell said.

“Equally I’d be just as happy to have an experienced guy, such as Hulkenberg, coming in, god reputation, experience.

“I’m sure I can learn some things from him, but it again gives me a good opportunity to show what I can do.”

Hulkenberg was yet to open talks with Williams as of last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, and previously said he would not be “desperate” to stay in F1 when asked about a potential move to the team.

The outgoing Renault driver said on Thursday in Russia that he expects his future to be resolved in “another few weeks”.