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George Russell has told Lewis Hamilton he is not joining Mercedes to be his No 2.
The 23-year-old Briton revealed that the team have assured him he will receive equal treatment when he starts his new £5million-a-year job next year.
King’s Lynn-born Russell was full of beans as he spoke to the press for the first time since the move was confirmed on Tuesday. Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza — which hosts qualifying later today — he said: ‘I am definitely going there on level terms. That was made very clear to me. Mercedes are always respectful in regard of giving both drivers the best opportunity.
George Russell (right) said he will be on 'level terms with Lewis Hamilton (left) at Mercedes
‘I believe in myself and have high aspirations but equally I know how tough it is going to be. Lewis is a seven-time world champion for a reason and I am in one of the most fortunate positions to learn from him.
‘I see this relationship with Mercedes as a long-term thing. I am sure we will race each other respectfully but hard as Valtteri (Bottas) and Lewis have over the past five years. We have got one goal next year and that is to develop the car and push it forward.’
Russell was being as diplomatic and polite as every new boy should be — as well as genuinely appreciative of
