Mercedes gets important advice: "It has to grow gradually"

Lewis Hamilton will have a new teammate in George Russell in 2022. The newcomer, who comes over from Williams, will try to surprise immediately. According to Jenson Button however, nobody should expect that from Russell, he told Sky Sports F1.

The former Formula 1 driver saw Russell perform very well last season, which gives him confidence in the qualities of the Briton. At the same time he knows what it is like to drive with top drivers like Hamilton. Button also warns Russell about the pressure that comes with driving for Mercedes.

It seems Russell would be wise to relax into his new car. "George shouldn't put too much pressure on himself," Button argues. "He can't think, 'I'll get in the car and be faster than Lewis from day one'. It has to grow gradually. Otherwise he will shoot himself in the foot."

The British driver must provide stable performance at Mercedes in the coming years. Russell was the big surprise at Williams this season. While Nicholas Latifi scored seven points, Russell managed 16 points.