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Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen comment on how they think George Russell will perform in his debut with Mercedes.
Norris and Russell have been good friends since their days in the junior formulae. The McLaren driver is happy about Russell’s opportunity to drive for a top team like Mercedes, after having to struggle at the back of the grid with Williams.
“I’m very happy for George,” said Norris.
“I sent him a message the night before it was confirmed saying congrats, although it wasn’t confirmed at that point, and then again I messaged the next day when it was confirmed.
“We’re obviously good mates, we get along really well, and it’s nice to see one of your mates go into a top seat like that.
“He’s got big boots to fill, from a seven-time world champion, so I wish him all the best. It’s going to be a big challenge for him, but he’s driven [a Mercedes] a few times, he’s part of the Mercedes family, so it’s not completely new for him, like it is maybe for Aitken as much at Williams.
“So it will be nice to see him up there. Maybe hopefully I can fight with him a little bit more, but we’ve had good fights this year so hopefully that continues this weekend.”
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Even though Russell said at the Sakhir Grand Prix Thursday press conference that he doesn’t have grand expectations from his first appearance for Mercedes, Norris believes the Briton could get to the very top.
“I think he can achieve a pole. I think he can achieve a win. I think if there’s any weekend maybe Mercedes have a smaller advantage than any other weekend, it’s probably here, so he’s taken a step up into the team at probably one of the toughest weekends of the year, in terms of their advantage that they probably have over the rest of the field.
“So it’s not going to be easy for him, but I know how good of a driver he is and I’m sure everyone else does too, and I’m sure of course Mercedes do as well.
“I’m expecting big things; of course I may be slightly jealous if he gets an extremely good result like a win, but I’ll just be happy for him and I look forward to hopefully being able to fight him again.”
Russell’s former karting team-mate Charles Leclerc also believes the Briton could achieve a good result.
“For me, a podium at least, but I have some hope of a win,” said the Ferrari driver.
“I mean, it’s very optimistic but I know he’s very good, so I could bet on a win.
“For George, it’s an amazing opportunity. I’ve known him for a lot of years, we were team mates with Alex [Albon]… back in 2011 in karting and now he finally has the opportunity to race for a top team.
“I don’t know for how long, whether it will be for one weekend or two, but anyway, I think he will show how much of a good driver he is this weekend.
“Of course he has shown it before that, but now having the opportunity to be fighting further up with probably the best car out there is a great opportunity for him and I hope he’ll do well,” concluded Leclerc.
One of Russell’s main competitors this weeked will be Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver was asked if he has any advice for the young Briton.
“Just enjoy it, because it will be a difference of day and night to drive that car, and in a good way,” said Verstappen.
“I went through the same thing when I got into Red Bull. There was a lot to learn, but when I first hit the track I was like, ‘oh my god, what a difference!’ You don’t know about that before.
“Fortunately for him, there are not too many corners this weekend, but mostly a lot of straights. That will make it easier for him to learn and get used to everything.
“Expectations will be sky-high, but you’ll just have to get up to speed and not think about what the outside world is thinking.
“Focus on working with the team and just enjoy it. It’s the best car on the grid, so you better make the most of it. ”
And what about the Dutch driver’s own chances?
“There is no Lewis but there is still Valtteri [Bottas] and George driving the fastest car in the field. So it will still be very tough and not easy, especially with the layout we have. Lap times will be very close with the guys behind us from last week.
“I don’t expect it to be easy out there,” concluded Verstappen.
