Russell expects 'incredibly tough' challenge at Mercedes

It was 02 a.m. last Tuesday when George Russell's phone started ringing while the Briton was in his bathroom. On the other end of the line was Toto wolff, main team Mercedes. 

The Austrian manager wanted to announce to the driver Wiliams that the German team would like to secure his services at the Sakhir Grand Prix because Lewis Hamilton had just tested positive for Covid-19. 

« It was a bit of an awkward moment., Russell told the FIA ​​press conference this Thursday with a big smile. I slept very little after that and things fell into place within the next day. I counted: it took some 64 phone calls to finalize everything. 

Everything happened so quickly. The last 48 hours have been very intense. I was particularly nervous on Tuesday, waiting to find out if we were able to reach an agreement with Williams. I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their green light. 

It feels strange to be back with Mercedes. I spent 2 years with them as a test pilot in the simulator but also as a reservist. I know the team, so it makes it easier to adapt as I'm bombarded with information ahead of the weekend ». 

For Russell, this is a golden opportunity to show that his brilliance at the wheel of a modest Williams is not only due to the weakness of the opposition in the second seat. The 22-year-old was naturally happy to say that he was approaching the weekend without the slightest pressure. However, he revealed that he was a bit too big for the W11 usually driven by Hamilton.

« I want to do my best, as always, added Russell. It will be incredibly difficult. Valtteri (Bottas) has been pushing Lewis to his limits for several years and I won't be on the pace like I can be with Williams. 

I have been working with the same engineers and mechanics for 2 years. There are so many new things to learn there. I have no particular expectations. I haven't set any goals for myself. I will try to enjoy the moment too. 

I have to take a pair of boots a size smaller to fit in the car. It's a little uncomfortable but I'll get used to the pain without worry ».

• An audition for 2022?

Mercedes, which should field the same pair of drivers next year for the 5th consecutive season in the event of Hamilton's extension, will naturally take the opportunity to gauge the quality of a serious candidate for a factory seat in the near future. . Therefore, is the Sakhir GP already an audition to determine who Valtteri Bottas or Russell will be favored by the Star?

« Many people can see it this way, swept away the Finn, who has already returned for 2021. It is also part of the job of journalists to blow things out of proportion and create rivalries. 

I doubt George sees things that way. In any case, that's not my case. It’s a great opportunity for him to learn and show what he’s capable of. For my part, I always want to be ahead of my teammate, whether it's Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, or someone else. 

I have a job to do in the last two races of 2. I want to finish the season in the best possible way to get the 2020 campaign off to a good start. I have specific objectives. Everything is quite clear on my side, there is no pressure ». 

Russell reiterated that Mercedes and Wolff had not set any specific objectives for him and recalled that a third campaign with Williams awaited him next year.

« One race does not define a driver's talent or the choice a team may make 12 months laterhe concluded. I don't even have that in mind ». 

We would be willing to bet the opposite.