"I am sure Mercedes will favour Hamilton over Russell in some ways"

Lewis Hamilton will be joined next year by George Russell at Mercedes. Expectations are high, but according to Mario Andretti there is a chance that the young talent will be disadvantaged by his new employer.

The 1978 world champion fears Russell should not expect equal treatment. "I'm sure that Mercedes in some ways will always favour Lewis," Andretti said according to Express. "But at the same time I'm sure George will have the same equipment."

Andretti looking forward to battle Hamilton and Russell

Andretti previously expressed his admiration for Russell when he made his rock-solid debut for Mercedes in Bahrain. "He impressed me and has shown that he can be a future champion," said the 81-year-old American.

"By having that opportunity in Bahrain and stepping up the way he did, and even with Williams at Spa, with the conditions… Rain is always a great equaliser and he showed his skills by doing what he did there. How he will fare next year alongside Lewis is something to look forward to," Andretti concluded.