Russell admits he didn't expect Mercedes opportunity to come like this

George Russell will take over Lewis Hamilton's seat during this weekend's second Grand Prix in Bahrain. For Russell, it is a great opportunity and an attempt to follow in the footsteps of his great example. The young Brit tells his story.

"I didn't expect it to happen like this," Russell told Gazzetta Dello Sport. The driver has been followed and supported by Mercedes for almost his entire racing career. The current Williams driver has been waiting for his chance with the Mercedes AMG F1 team for two years, but will be finally get his chance this weekend.

Russell is a good ten centimetres taller than the seven-time World Champion, so it is a bit of a squeeze to get into Hamilton's car: "For driving the Mercedes, I'm willing to suffer a little," said Russell.

Max Verstappen won the first race after his promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull in Spain 2016. The 22-year-old talent Russell will have such an opportunity in Bahrain. There is speculation about a possible victory for the Brit.

Russell said: "There are no particular expectations of Toto [Wolff, ed.] or Mercedes. It's impossible to judge a driver after one race. I want to have fun without pressure. Then we'll see if we get another chance in Abu Dhabi.

"Do I look like Max or Charles? No, I want to be on the same level as Hamilton someday. He is the best, the driver I look up to the most," said the Williams driver.