"I feel absolutely confident I could take [Mercedes opportunity] with both hands"

George Russell might not be in the sights of Toto Wolff and Mercedes in the current contract discussions regarding Valtteri Bottas' seat, but the young British Formula 1 driver believes in himself to do a good job should he get the opportunity. 

It looks likely that Russell will get at least another season at Williams. If Esteban Ocon fills the Silver Arrow, he might be forced to wait until Lewis Hamilton retires before climbing into a Mercedes. 

The 2018 Formula 2 champion has watched his previous rivals fight near the top of the Formula 1 grid, yet he can't do the same thing in an underpowered Williams car. But he believes driving for a top team now is doable after watching Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, and Daniil Kvyat get the promotion to Red Bull.

“Kvyat beat [Daniel] Ricciardo in his first year with Red Bull. Charles is giving Vettel a run for his money in his first year [at Ferrari]. I obviously really and truly believe in myself. If I ever were to get the opportunity I’m not going to think, it would be stupid to think I could go in there and beat Lewis at the first race, in my opinion, he’s the best driver on the grid," Russell told RaceFans.net. 

“But I feel like the potential’s there. You always learn with every single race, every single year with the experience. So if the opportunity were to come I feel absolutely confident I could take it with both hands and quickly learn as much as possible and be there ready to really deliver after a couple of races."

“Right now I’m just focused on my job here at Williams. If I want to be in a championship-winning car all I have to do is focus on the job at hand.”