© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
George Russell says he is not putting any additional pressure on himself after getting a Mercedes drive at the Sakhir Grand Prix.
Russell, a Mercedes junior driver, got the opportunity to switch from Williams to Mercedes at the last minute, after Lewis Hamilton tested positive for COVID-19. It is the realisation of his dream, but the circumstances are not what he expected.
At the Sakhir Grand Prix Thursday press conference Russell talked about how he learned he will be replacing the seven-time champion.
“I got a phone call from Toto [Wolff, Mercedes team boss] at 2am on Tuesday morning,” the Briton said.
“I was actually in the bathroom at that moment, which was slightly awkward. He answered the phone and said, ‘George, are you in the bathroom?’ and I said, ‘Sorry, I am in the bathroom’.
“And he said ‘unfortunately Lewis has caught COVID, he’s doing well, he’s healthy and feels fine which is the most important, but we want you to drive’.
“And then [I had] a bit of a sleepless night and we made it happen throughout the following day. It means a huge amount to me that Mercedes gave me this opportunity because it was not easy for them.
“It was a lot of effort went into making this deal happen and… I really appreciate what they’ve done and logistically getting helmets painted in the course of 24 hours, suits made and flown over from Italy to the UK to Bahrain.
“There’s so many things that have had to happen in the course of such a short period of time. Knowing they were willing to do that means a lot to me and I guess I have to repay that with my best performance and my best efforts, regardless of what position that may mean.”
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Russell has long been considered to be the first in line to replace Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas once either of them leaves Mercedes, so this drive might be considered as sort of a test. The Briton however says that, considering the circumstances, Mercedes doesn’t have specific expectations from him.
“From my side, I think there’s no pressure. I’m being thrown in at the last opportunity, I haven’t driven their simulator in two years, my seat is three years old, I’ve got so much information to learn…
“And going up against Valtteri isn’t going to be easy. I think I’m in a good position, I’m not putting any additional pressure on myself.
“I’m going to go out there, I’m going to enjoy it and there’s been no targets, no expectations expected from me by Toto, by Mercedes, because you can’t judge somebody off the back of one race I think.
“This weekend’s all going to be about learning, especially Friday. Focus towards qualifying and into the race on Sunday, and if I get the opportunity next week again in Abu Dhabi, who knows? That will be easier for me.”
Russell’s first problem to overcome is the cockpit of the W11, which considering the Briton is one of the tallest drivers on the grid, is a bit tight for him.
“It definitely was a tight squeeze. Also my size 11 feet were a struggle, some I’m having to wear a size smaller shoe than would be ideal, so that’s slightly uncomfortable.
“But I’m sure I can endure the pain to get this opportunity.”
