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Russell gets same treatment as Hamilton: That has been made clear to me

Russell gets same treatment as Hamilton: "That has been made clear to me"

09-09-2021 19:39 Last update: 20:22
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GPblog.com

George Russell saw his seat at Mercedes become a reality last week. He will drive next year alongside Lewis Hamilton and will get the chance to fight for the world championship with Hamilton and Max Verstappen. At least that is what Mercedes told the young Briton.

According to Russell he and Hamilton will be treated as equals next year. He said this during today's press conference before the weekend in Monza. MotorsportWeek quotes the Brit.

"We will be equals. That has been made clear to me. Of course I have high hopes, but I know it won't be easy next to Lewis - he's a seven-time champion! I see my partnership with Mercedes as something for the long term. I see next year as a great opportunity to learn. We are at different stages of our careers, but the aim is to drive the team forward together."

Mercedes wants to avoid a repeat of Rosberg

Because if there's anything right now that Mercedes isn't waiting for, that's it. A repeat of moves. As Russell also knows. "Mercedes has had the experience of a tricky dynamic (between Rosberg and Hamilton). They've made it clear they don't want that anymore. I don't want that either. We don't know who will have the best car next year. So the most important thing is working together to make sure we are strong in 2022. I have a lot of respect for Lewis in that, because I'm a lot younger and was watching him when I was still driving karts."

In any case, it looks like Verstappen will have a formidable rival for next year. Whether Russell will actually be treated equally, something Valtteri Bottas can only dream of, remains to be seen.