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Mercedes' Russell knows there is pressure

17:04, 22 Apr 2018

byJake Williams-Smith

Mercedes test and reserve driver George Russell has spoken about how his time at Mercedes has helped him develop into such a promising talent. The 19-year old Briton is currently racing in Formula 2 and has the boss in Toto Wolff watching.

Russell, after winning the GP3 championship, was promoted to the next series up and is keen to emulate the example set by the reigning Formula One champion, Lewis Hamilton.

"The clear goal which has been set this season is to win the championship,” Russell told Motorsport.com. "Mercedes have put their faith in me and fully believe in ART to be able to do the job.

"Being a rookie is no excuse," he said. "It’s always easier with experience under your belt, but that’s the level we’re at now.

"I don’t think you can afford to slip up at any point," he added. "I’m going to be going out there to win as many races as possible, and score as many points as possible.

“You saw Hamilton in his first season take it to Alonso at McLaren, when he had a two-time world champion as his teammate, and that’s at the top level. So there’s no excuse."

Russell is currently seventh in the F2 drivers' championship after a disappointing opening round in Bahrain.