Russell hopes title for Hamilton: 'He's extraordinary'

During the press conferences in Abu Dhabi the denouement of the title race was the talk of the day. Will it be the eighth title for Lewis Hamilton or the first for Max Verstappen? Also George Russell, next year's teammate of Hamilton at Mercedes, was asked for his opinion.

Next season, after three years at Williams, Russell will make the switch to Mercedes, where he will drive alongside Hamilton. His preference for winning the title therefore comes as little surprise. "I would love to see Lewis win, " the young Briton quoted Motorsport-Magazin the young Briton during the press conference.

"What he has achieved, especially recently, is extraordinary," Russell praised his compatriot. "To be able to compete in a year where Red Bull have such a superior car, especially at the start of the season. Max [Verstappen] has also done an exceptional job, they both deserve to win, for different reasons. Hopefully it stays fair."

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be the 59th and final race in service at Williams. For two years, Russell failed to score any points for the team, but this season he managed to score three points and even reached the podium in Belgium. "Williams gave me my first chance in Formula 1, for which I am forever grateful," Russell said.

Russell has learned a lot at Williams in recent years, despite tough times for the team. "I think they've helped me to become a better all-round driver in particular. I got to know the technical side of the sport better and was able to develop my skills to become a better Formula One driver."