George Russell is keen to extract 'Ferrari secrets' from old rival Valtteri Bottas as he returns to Mercedes in 2025.
Russell and Bottas have had a terse relationship at times in the past, including at the 2021 Emilia Romagna GP where they collided.
Bottas would ultimately leave Mercedes at the end of that season to be replaced with Russell, going onto drive for the Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo/Stake outfits after only using Mercedes power in the turbo hybrid era.
Mercedes engines have won nine of the 11 turbo hybrid constructors' crowns, with Ferrari running the Mercedes units close over a number of years.
Ahead of Bottas' return to Mercedes as third driver to Russell and Kimi Antonelli after losing his seat, Russell is keen to see if the team can mine any 'Ferrari data' from the Finn to aid its own progress.
"His experience is going to be massive, having someone with so much simulator and racing knowledge, and who fully knows the team is going to be great," Russell explained.
"Hearing about his last few years at Sauber, with the Ferrari engine could be key too. You always have to keep an open mind as to what others are doing and he has all of that under his belt.
"Obviously years ago we were perceived to not have a strong relationship, but we are both professionals and our relationship has grown, we often travel together and see each other at hotels or in the gym."
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