Charles Leclerc has revealed the biggest challenge facing Formula 2 champion George Russell, ahead of the Briton’s step up to F1 with Williams.
The two drivers had remarkably similar junior careers with both winning GP3 and F2 at the first attempt and also both have the backing of major manufacturers.
That is why many will be interested to see if Russell can mimic the impact Leclerc made with Sauber last season and the Monegasque sees no reason why he can’t.
“I think he is a very strong driver,” the 2019 Ferrari driver was quoted by GPFans.com. “Obviously I don’t know whether he will struggle as much as I did in the first three races or not. For sure he will find his way along to the top.”
But it is managing the change in perspective from fighting for wins in F2 to the midfield in F1 with Williams that Leclerc thinks Russell will have to overcome.
“In the first three races [Sauber] were not so competitive so after 20 laps, we were alone in 19th position and then it gets quite boring because you are just waiting for the end of the race,” he admitted.
“So maybe this played a part in thinking that the race was too long. But after that, it was actually more interesting.”
Also Read:
- Mercedes recalls ‘amazing’ first meeting with ‘future star’ Russell
- Russell can make the same impact in F1 as Leclerc, Williams say
- Russell ‘ready for the challenge’ of F1 with Williams
The Grove-based outfit is confident in George’s potential, however, having had experience alongside Lewis Hamilton as part of the Mercedes young driver program.
“I think that would be really valuable,” Williams technical chief Paddy Lowe told Autosport. “Drivers can have a tendency to work in their own bubble and by nature, they are super competitive, so you are wired up to think you are the best.
“[But] George is intelligent enough and humble enough to take advantage of and appreciate that privilege to work alongside someone who is undoubtedly well ahead of him at the moment.
“For him to have seen exactly how Lewis works, what are the things he spends his time on, what is his approach, what is his attitude, will prove to be extremely valuable in the future.”
Russell himself has previously mentioned the areas he has benefitted from having the opportunity to watch the five-time world champion.
“Every driver has to find their own way of driving, but the things I’ve learned is how he interacts with the team, the feedback and everything and that’s what I could learn.
“Lewis does offer bits of advice here and there, but like I say I use my ears more than my mouth.”