Russell: First Mercedes campaign showed F1 capabilities against Hamilton

George Russell feels first season with Mercedes last year showed his Formula 1 potential as he partnered Lewis Hamilton.

After three seasons with Williams, Russell was promoted to Mercedes with the hope of consistently fighting for race wins and F1 titles, as the Brackley-based squad was a consistent front-runner in the years prior.

However, the team took a downturn in form amid the introduction of new technical regulations.

Russell took his maiden race victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix last year and ended the season ahead of seven-time World Champion Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship.

When asked if he is confident of beating Hamilton should Mercedes return to a competitive state, Russell said it was not something he thought about often.

"It’s not something I'm really thinking about to be honest," he told media including RacingNews365.

"I don't see myself as teammates with Lewis, I see myself as a Formula 1 driver in one of the greatest teams of all time.

"I wake up every morning thinking I've got the chance to beat everybody and to fight for the World Championship when we've got the car to do so."

Russell's self complement

Russell and Hamilton will remain at Mercedes until at least the end of the 2025 campaign, with their extension confirmed prior to the Italian Grand Prix last week.

So far this year, it has been Hamilton collecting more points than Russell - but the latter is still satisfied with the job he’s been doing.

"Being teammates with Lewis is really great because it keeps us both on our toes," he added.

"I think I showed last year, what I was capable of doing with my pace, my performances and the victory.

"The same again this year, I think it's always very tight between the two of us over the course of a season.

"I’m proud of that to be honest. I want to beat everybody. But I also need to recognise that I'm going up against the greatest of all time.

"So if you're on a level playing field with someone like Lewis, with someone like Max [Verstappen], I think you must be doing a pretty good job."