Hamilton ready to face ‘strong competitor’ Russell

Lewis Hamilton has said George Russell has slotted into life at Mercedes “like a glove”, and knows he’s going to be facing a “strong competitor” on the other side of the garage.

The seven-time World Champion has been complimentary about his new team-mate since his arrival was confirmed last season, and has previously said he hopes to help him in his career by sharing some of his experience with the 24-year-old.

Debate is already taking place within some quarters of the Formula 1 world about how Russell will fare against his illustrious colleague, with Russell’s predecessor at Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas saying he cannot see anyone beating Hamilton in equal packages in the near future, while former race winner Ralf Schumacher has gone the other way, saying he believes Russell can be right on his compatriot’s pace from the beginning of the year.

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Hamilton has had several different kinds of relationships with his former team-mates, but his partnership with Russell is set to be the first of his career in the ‘master-and-apprentice’ mould with his younger colleague – at least to begin with – and he said he’s looking forward to helping the former Williams driver at the team.

Hope you’re ready to see lots more of W13!

Back on track this week in Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/YsWszvI3r7

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team