George Russell is heading into this weekend with no expectations after being drafted in to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
The Williams driver revealed a slightly embarrassing phone call at 2am on Tuesday morning as he was in the bathroom when team boss Toto Wolff informed him of his opportunity.
Of course, for Russell, this weekend might just be a one-off chance at the German manufacturer before a full-time move in the future.
And commenting on Thursday, the 22-year-old revealed it has all been a bit of a blur.
“It’s all happened so fast, it’s been an intense 48 hours,” he told RaceFans.
“I was very anxious on Tuesday waiting to find out if we could strike a deal with Williams. I need to say a massive thank you to them for allowing me this opportunity and here we are.
“It feels strange to be back with Mercedes,” George added. “Obviously, I spent two years as their test and simulator driver and I know all of the guys which makes things a lot easier to get back into the team.
“I’m just being bombarded with information at the moment to learn ready for the weekend ahead.”
Many are particularly excited to see how Russell gets on alongside Valtteri Bottas, with there being a feeling among some that the Briton would be a stronger teammate to Hamilton.
However, he tempered thoughts of immediately stepping in and matching the Finn.
“Valtteri has been pushing Lewis a huge amount over the years. I know it’s not going to be an easy task coming in,” he said.
“When you’re in the groove, you’re integrated into the team. The level I was at with Williams just having spent two years in the same car with my same engineers, same mechanics, changing suddenly there’s so many new things to learn.
“I’ve got no expectations, no targets. Just build up to it over Friday, learn as much as I can and just do my best.”
Also Read:
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- Bottas will ‘keep pushing’ to close the ‘fine margins’ in Hamilton fight
- Hamilton: ‘No doubt’ Russell can be F1 champion following Alonso path
As for Bottas, his approach is unchanged despite this weekend arguably being his easiest chance for a victory all year.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for George, a great opportunity to learn a lot and to show what he can do with the team,” he said via Motorsport Week.
“For my side, as a racing driver, of course you always want to be ahead of your teammate, whether if it’s Lewis Hamilton or George Russell or anyone else, it doesn’t matter.
“I have a job to do as well, for the last two races of the season, I have my own motivations, which is trying to win the remaining races – that’s, obviously, the only goal – and try to maximise all the learnings I can for next year to end the season on a positive way.
“That could probably help me at the start of next year. I have a contract for next year, I have clear targets for myself for next year, the team as well, so from my side it’s pretty simple. No pressure from my side.”
The 31-year-old also explained why he sees some similarities between himself and Russell, as he was unexpectedly called to Mercedes to replace Nico Rosberg in 2017.
“When I heard the news I could fully relate to George, as I started with Williams as well and my first opportunity, then, outside from Williams was to race for Mercedes as well,” he said.
“I think I know, at least a bit, how it feels and I think I know that kind of feeling and approach going into the first race with the team.
“I don’t need to advise George, he’s obviously had some time in Formula 1, with the current spec of cars and doing a great job at Williams.
“He knows most of the team pretty well, so, for sure, that helps.
“We are a big, smart and really united team, so there’s a lot of support, to get up to speed and George knows how to drive.”
