Russell gets tough assignment: 'You don't know in advance'

Valtteri Bottas is on his last two Grands Prix with Mercedes. The Finn will compete for Alfa Romeo next season, while George Russell will join the German team. According to Martin Brundle the Brit could have a hard time with his new team.

Russell has been in excellent form at Williams this season, earning him a move to top team Mercedes. However, the former Formula 1 driver points out in conversation with Formel1.de that the pressure on Russell next season is of a completely different category.

"If you drive in a team at the back of the field, you can occasionally shine and everyone talks about it," Brundle explains. "Then you can just fade into oblivion and nobody cares anymore. However, in a car like Mercedes, Valtteri had to perform. Everyone was watching closely to see how he did."

Russell must ensure he keeps up with Hamilton next season. Brundle expects the driver to struggle with the pressure once again. "You don't know in advance if it's going to make you grow and be a source of energy, or if you're going to wilt like a flower. We have to wait and see what George does."