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Russell: I want to fight the best, and that's Lewis

Russell: "I want to fight the best, and that's Lewis"

27-07-2021 16:42 Last update: 17:28
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GPblog.com

George Russell is having another strong season, although it has to be said that his qualifying performance is usually better than his actual race pace with his Williams. Nevertheless, it seems only a matter of time before the young Briton is announced as the new second driver alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for 2022.

100 percent ready

He says he is ready for a step up: "I am 100 percent ready to drive the fastest car and take the next step. With every race I feel more prepared and at this moment I can say I am ready. I'm confident and I know what I can do," Russell said to the German RTL.

Russell sees the challenge in any case and is therefore not hiding his ambitions. "I'm ready to race against the best. I have raced against Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and co. my entire junior career. The only one who would be new would be Lewis Hamilton."

Lewis is the best

However, judging by Russell's comments, Hamilton need not expect Russell to become a clear second driver, a label that Valtteri Bottas just can't seem to lose. On Hamilton, he says "He's the best of the best. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, that's the only way. And I want to fight the best, and that's Lewis."