Russell: 'Hamilton's words mean a lot, but they don't make a difference'

2020 was an important year for George Russell, with his first Grand Prix in a Mercedes. It earned him many compliments, including those from Lewis Hamilton, but the Briton says that makes no difference.

When the news broke that Lewis Hamilton had tested positive for the coronavirus, almost everyone assumed that Stoffel Vandoorne would be his replacement. After all, the Belgian is the reserve driver for Mercedes. Yet the team suddenly came up with a remarkable replacement in the form of George Russell, who was given a weekend off at Williams.

For the young Brit, it all went pretty quickly, too. "It was amazing how it was all arranged last minute. I got the confirmation on Wednesday night and I was in the car on Friday. I went in with the idea that it couldn't be the end of my career, but it could make my future potentially. I think it was a huge step up for my hopefully long career in Formula 1. Obviously, it wasn't the circumstances I had hoped for, but I am very grateful for it," Russell said in an interview with The Sportsman.

Making a difference

Russell was, unfortunately, unable to win the Grand Prix, but that outcome was not his fault. Without bad luck, the Briton would have won the race. He was therefore complemented by Lewis Hamilton, who called Russell "the future" of Formula 1. "Lewis is a legend and of course the greatest racer in the sport. My respect for him in the last four years has increased enormously. To receive such nice words from him, that means a lot to me, but I won't let it affect me. After all, Lewis is not going to make a difference to my career."

"I have to do it all myself. I have to go out on the track and perform there. It doesn't matter if every driver says I'm the best driver of them all if I don't perform. You have to show your worth on the track," concluded the Williams driver.