Russell puts an end to rumours of 'feud' with Hamilton

Last week a rumour emerged from the paddock that Lewis Hamilton would no longer talk to George Russell. This would be a result of Russell's excellent stint at Mercedes and the influence this would have had on the contract negotiations of the world champion. According to Russell these reports are not correct.

Russell and Hamilton just greet each other

At the press conference in Imola the young Williams driver is also quoted by Autosport.com quoted that he indeed did not speak with Hamilton after the race in Bahrain, but that there is nothing to be found behind this. "No, we didn’t speak, as we wouldn’t speak after any other race.”

"We’ve seen each other this year, a little fist bump along the way, and that’s the same as it’s been since 2019 and last year before the Bahrain Grand Prix. My relationship towards Lewis is the same as it is with a lot of the drivers up and down the paddock, which is completely fine. So there’s no hard feelings and no issues between myself and Lewis," Russell concluded.

However, that Russell will be a rival to both Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton for the seats at Mercedes in the future is certain. He also confirmed to Autosport that he is fully focused on a future with the German manufacturer and is not consulting other teams in the meantime.